Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
Sept 13 2008

Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandyan paid a
visit

On 12 September 2008, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Armenia Edward Nalbandyan paid a visit to Georgia. In the framework of
the visit Mr. E. Nalbandyan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili.

The sides discussed a broad spectrum of issues and future prospects of
bilateral relations and co-operation in the multilateral framework
between Georgia and the Republic of Armenia, as well as issues
regarding the situation in the region and Georgian-Russian relations.

After the meeting the Ministers held a joint press-conference.

Mrs. Eka Tkeshelashvili:

Greetings! Today we are playing host to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia. We had a very interesting meeting. As far as you
know Armenia is not only our neighbouring country but also a very
close partner. We are linked together with a history of good
neighbourly relations. We intend to ensure that these relations enjoy
a fruitful and successful continuation in the future as well.

Given the complicated situation, the Russian Federation’s recent
aggression against Georgia and the invasion of our country still
taking place, it is of great importance to exchange views over the
steps that need to be taken to establish peace and security in the
Caucasus region. Sovereign states should not fear that the largeness
and military strength of some other state may serve as a decisive
factor. It is international law that should provide the firm basis and
essential prerequisite for peace and stability. There should be no
toleration of violation of the fundamental principles of international
law.

Therefore, we in the region are all interested in making international
law a fundamental principle for the development of relations that will
contribute to the establishment of peace in the region. Georgia will
never take any step that may inflict damage on its neighbouring
country. It is Georgia’s direction and political vision for the future
that makes Georgia a firm and reliable partner. Now let me give the
floor to my colleague.

Mr. Eduard Nalbandyan:

First of all I’d like to convey my condolences and deep sorrow over
the deaths caused by the recent development of events in Georgia.

I’ve just concluded talks with my Georgian colleague. We had very
sincere and focused discussions and made a survey of a broad spectrum
of issues.

We discussed the recent dramatic developments on the territory of
Georgia. I am confident the efforts of the international community to
achieve peaceful resolution of the conflict will have a successful
outcome due to a peaceful dialogue and negotiations. We believe it is
the only way to address all disputes.

The Republic of Armenia may be one of the most interested countries in
maintaining peace and stability in its neighbouring country not only
due to the fact that about 70 percent of our export goes through the
territory of Georgia, but because we are linked with centuries-old
traditions.

We are grateful to the Georgian Authorities for arranging a safe
transportation of Armenian tourists to Armenia. We also appreciate
greatly Georgia’s assistance in the restoration of the damaged railway
infrastructure. We shared our views over the problems of the Armenian
population living in Georgia. I acquainted the Georgian Minister with
the latest state of negotiations regarding resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, as well as possibilities of addressing relations
between Armenia and Turkey. The President of Armenia will in a few
months arrive in Georgia for his first visit. Certainly we discussed
issues related to this visit. We are determined to continue our
discussions in the future as well.

On a final note, I’d like to thank Mrs. Minister for warm Georgian
reception.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress