DAVID BAKRADZE: NOT ONLY HISTORICAL PAST BUT ALSO HOPEFUL FUTURE UNITE ARMENIAN AND GEORGIAN PEOPLES

ArmInfo
2009-02-24 13:06:00

ArmInfo. Not only the historical past but also the hopeful future
unite the Armenian and Georgian peoples, speaker of the Georgian
parliament David Bakradze said today in the parliament of Armenia.

He said the Christian peoples have multiply assisted each other
over centuries, and the united multiyear struggle contributed
to preservation of a national uniqueness. ‘Friendly and partner
relations have been presently established between the two countries’
parliaments. I think the legislative bodies of the two states are able
to do more’, Bakradze said. He expressed hope that the two parliaments
will succeed to fix a serious progress for creation and improvement
of the normative base which, in its turn, will become a support for
the two states’ executive agencies in solution of many issues. For
his part, Bakradze expressed readiness to fully assist to formation
of efficient labour relations.

According to the speaker, the goods turnover between Armenia and
Georgia considerably grew over the latest period, that is a good
indicator of the economic cooperation activation. Cooperation in
energy and transport also develops successfully. The road and other
taxes have reduced that, in its turn, contributes to extension of
trade and economic relations between the two countries. He said the
cooperation in tourism between Armenia and Georgia also deepened over
the last years, that was much promoted by investments from Armenia
to Adzharia. ‘The number of tourists from Armenia considerably grew
in Adzharia and Gudauri. All this indicates that a potential of
development of a friendly cooperation is notable in both countries’,
Bakradze said. He expressed hope that the Georgian tourists and
investors will also show interest to Armenia and its resorts. The
speaker expressed satisfaction with the recent agreement of the
two states’ governments on development of infrastructure projects,
including construction of a highway from Armenia to Batumi.

‘The Georgian authorities attach special importance to the development
of regions. Great funds are allocated within the frames of the
‘Millennium Challenge’ programme for development of all the regions
of the country, including recovery of infrastructures and roads in
Georgia’s south regions’, Bakradze recalled. Moreover, he said,
it is scheduled to implement the programmes of small and medium
entrepreneurship, including the programmes aimed at supporting the
agribusiness. "All this is possible provided that peace and stability
are maintained in the South Caucasus". Cooperation between Armenia
and Georgia in this aspect is of great importance, D. Bakradze added.