ARMENIAN, GEORGIAN PRESIDENT DISCUSS COOPERATION

Yerkir
01.03.2010 12:28

Yerevan (Yerkir) – President Serzh Sargsyan and his Georgian
counterpart Mikheil Sahakashvili discussed issues pertinent to the
further deepening of the Armenian-Georgian friendly relations and
economic cooperation in Batumi over the weekend. They also spoke
about the ongoing works to open the Upper Lars border crossing.

After the meeting, Presidents Sargsyan and Sahakashvili answered
questions of the journalists.

Sahakashvili welcomed his Armenian colleague and noted that his country
always rejoices at Armenia’s success and is saddened with Armenia’s
problems; Armenia feels the same for Georgia. "I believe, that these
cordial relations and close cooperation are conditioned not only
ours – the Presidents’ personal input, even though it is important,
but first of all they must be credited to our two nations," President
Sahakashvili underlined and added, "Many Armenians visit this town
in summer, and locals welcome them with pleasure. In addition, many
ethnic Armenians live here and there is also an Armenian church. All
ethnic groups coexist peacefully, and we are very proud of that fact
and consider it to be our achievement."

The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for the invitation
and warm welcome and said that he heard a lot about Batumi and is
much impressed with what he has seen on this visit. Serzh Sargsyan
reiterated that Armenia and Georgia enjoy excellent relations and
expressed confidence and it will last forever. "We have lived like
brothers for thousand years and will continue to."

Accompanied by Sahakashvili, President Serzh Sargsyan made a tour of
Batumi, observed construction works and investment programs aimed at
the town’s development.