ARMENIAN AND GEORGIAN PRESIDENTS UNDERSCORE HIGH LEVEL OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

ARMENPRESS
Oct 1, 2008

TBILISI, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS: On the first day of his official
visit to Tbilisi Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met September 30
in Tbilisi with his Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili.

Armenian president first of all expressed condolences on his and
on behalf of the Armenian people in connection with the recent
developments in Georgia which caused human losses.

The sides pointed out the friendly relations existing between the two
countries underscoring the necessity of their further development. It
was noted that in spite of the high level of relations there is still
great unused potential and steps are necessary to be undertaken for
bringing them to life.

The presidents discussed in details a number of issues on economic
partnership, including in energy and transport spheres, referred to
the border zoning activity, they also reached agreement over creation
of joint consortium with the representatives of two countries which
will direct its activity towards the construction of an alternative
road which will facilitate the cargo and passenger transportations to
Armenia. The sides agreed to carry out works to promote inter-border
cooperation as well as to facilitate the entrance process of citizens
of the two countries to each other’s territory.

Underscoring the stability of Georgia for Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan noted
that it is not a secret that Armenia has strategic partnership with
Russia at the same time Georgia is Armenia’s ancient-long friend. "Our
commitments as partners, neighbors, and strategic allies must not
bother each other and must not be on the account of one another,"
Armenian president said.

The presidents of the two countries also spoke in favor of peaceful
regulation of the conflicts. They also underscored role of the Armenian
community in deepening bilateral relations.

After the extended meeting during which the active work of the
inter-governmental commission was highlighted, the Georgian president
said that the Georgian side underscores and positively assesses the
relations with Armenia. "I have very warm relations with the president
of Armenia and I am sure that it will have a positive impact on all
the levels of our cooperation," M. Saakashvili said.

During the meeting Armenian president was granted the highest
Georgian state medal which is awarded to foreign citizens. Armenian
president also met with the Georgian parliament speaker David
Bakradze. During the meeting the sides underscored the development of
inter-parliamentary cooperation. Armenian president also said that the
recent developments in the region showed the weak and strong sides
of the region and it is necessary to make conclusions and undertake
relevant steps.

D. Bakradze underscored the friendship between the two countries as
an important circumstance of regional peace and development.

Yesterday Armenian and Georgian presidents also participated in
the opening ceremony of a memorial stone to Sayat-Nova in Tbilisi’s
Meydan Square.