SERZH SARGSYAN: ARMENIA IS INTERESTED IN HAVING PEACEFUL, STABLE AND PROSPEROUS NEIGHBOR, GEORGIA
Noyan Tapan
June 29, 2009
YEREVAN, JUNE 29, NOYAN TAPAN. RA President Serzh Sargsyan at a joint
press conference with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili made a
statement, which, in particular, read:
"Few peoples in the world can be proud of the fact of having such
long-lasting friendly relations like relations between the Armenian
and Georgian peoples. It is needless to say what significance our
peoples have for each other in political, economic, cultural, and
many other respects.
And I am sure that one of the primary concerns of the two country
heads should be to raise the interstate relations to the level of our
peoples’ centuries-old relations. I must say that during my contacts
with President Saakashvili I formed an impression, more exactly, I am
convinced that he also shares these approaches, and I am glad for it.
We have discussed the whole complex of bilateral relations and regional
problems. Problems of regional security were paid a special attention
in this respect. The Armenian side has repeatedly stressed in the
past and at present holds the opinion that solution of all conflicts
can be achieved only through a dialogue, strengthening of confidence
in the region, mutual respect and cooperation. We welcome any step
aimed at creating a favorable atmosphere in the region.
In the context of development of bilateral relations we paid a special
attention to issues of deepening economic cooperation and fulfillment
of joint initiatives. We hope it will contribute to decrease of the
consequences of world economic crisis influence on Armenia’s and
Georgia’s economies.
Armenia attaches much importance to communications laying through
the territory of Georgia that have an essential importance for our
economy. In this respect we have expressed an interest in quick
relaunching of the land car check-point between Georgia and the
Russian Federation.
The Armenian community of Georgia has always been the firmest bridge
connecting us. The two governments’ interest in strengthening of
Georgian Armenian community is understandable in this respect. We, in
particular, welcome the steps undertaken by the Georgian government
to mitigate the socio-economic situation in Javakhk, to improve the
infrastructures, and to create new jobs. We are ready to support this
process on our part.
I have informed Mr President about the developments in the Nagorno
Karabakh settlement. I have also informed him about the normalization
prospects of Armenian-Turkish relations and our approaches over
them. Our approach is clear: the relations should be normalized without
preconditions. The regional countries should find cooperation verges
in spite of the disagreements.
Armenia is interested in having a peaceful, stable and prosperous
neighbor, Georgia, with which we have not only common past, but
also common future. In this respect we arranged to make active
contacts between our citizens, make active student exchanges,
cultural contacts mentioning Days of Georgian Culture held this
year in Armenia and Armenian Cultural Program planned next year in
Georgia as its successful example. We also arranged to hold annual
Armenian-Georgian sports games, as well as at Mr President’s suggestion
we will hold olympiads for pupils every year. In all probability,
the first olympiad will take place this autumn.