Official visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to Georgia

President Serzh Sargsyan and his spouse arrived in Georgia on an official visit.

After the official welcoming ceremony, a private meeting between RA President Serzh Sargsyan and Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili started at the Presidential Palace of Georgia, followed by high-level Armenian-Georgian talks with delegations from both countries.

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Giorgi Margvelashvili will make statements for mass media representatives to sum up the results of their talks.

Later today, an official dinner party will be hosted on behalf of Giorgi Margvelashvili and his spouse Maca Chichua in honor of RA President Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Rita Sargsyan.
 

***

Armenian-Georgian high-level talks were held in Tbilisi, involving the official delegations of the two countries.

Welcoming the delegation headed by the President of friendly Armenia, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said he was glad that the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia was crowned with a remarkable visit by President Serzh Sargsyan that might give fresh impetus to the development of interstate relations and friendship between the two nations.

The Presidents of Armenia and Georgia stated with satisfaction the growth of trade turnover between the two countries this year, the progress achieved in tourism and the status of bilateral cooperation in a number of other spheres. They noted that the potential of cooperation is much greater, and consistent efforts need to be made in this direction.

Presidents Sargsyan and Margvelashvili attached importance to regional security and peace in terms of providing favorable conditions for the prosperity and economic development of all countries in the region.

During the enlarged meeting, the members of the two delegations reported back the work done in respective areas, the pace of joint projects, the achievements and problems. The Presidents instructed them to strengthen mutual contacts and cooperation.

***

Address by President Serzh Sargsyan to media after meeting with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili

Distinguished Mr. President,
Dear mass media representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be back to the friendly and hospitable Georgia. Once again, I would like to thank President Giorgi Margvelashvili for the invitation and a warm reception and, of course, for kind remarks.

This year we marked the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia, and my year-end visit is a good opportunity to summarize our joint work, the results and our future plans. I am glad that we have many prospective projects on our bilateral agenda, and that we have a lot to do.

In the past quarter century, the Armenian-Georgian good-neighborly relations have developed on the basis of our peoples’ rich cultural traditions, interconnected history and common values.

Georgia has special attractiveness for Armenians; we really have friendly feelings towards the Georgian people. It is no coincidence that a large part of Armenians prefer to spend their holidays in Georgia.

I highly appreciate our effective talks with the President of Georgia, which, I am sure, will give new quality to bilateral relations.

I want to reaffirm our readiness to deepen cooperation with Georgia in the spirit of friendship, mutual understanding and harmony.

We are committed to maintaining active high-level contacts, which play an important role in terms of promoting bilateral agreements and launching new programs.

I think everyone understands that if there was a unfavorable attitude toward Armenians, then Armenians would not come to Georgia with pleasure.

Today, we addressed our ever expanding trade and economic agenda, first of all highlighting the ongoing cooperation in important areas, such as energy and transport, including the development and effective use of our countries’ transit capacities. We spoke about the programs to be implemented in tourism and the IT sector, given the great potential here.

The creation of joint ventures was also on the agenda of the meeting, and I told my counterpart that in my opinion, the Georgian side should avail itself of Armenia’s opportunities: the availability of free economic zones and the sale of its products in the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union. In this respect, any company registered in Armenia can be beneficial.

I want to highlight the role of the new free economic zone on the Iranian border, which will also give a great opportunity to export Georgian goods and services to another solvent market – the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Certainly, we have discussed issues of regional security and stability in the South Caucasus. In this context, we highlighted the importance of a balanced and constructive approach to sensitive issues.

We agreed that a comprehensive and long-term settlement of conflicts is only possible through peaceful means within the framework of agreed formats and only through negotiations.

It has been a rule for us, and I can say quite frankly that during all negotiations, we keep using such documents, such statements and resolutions that do not harm Georgia’s interests and I think that both for the Armenian side and the Georgian side the observance of this position can only benefit our peoples.

Once again, I wish to thank the Georgian President, the Vice Prime Ministers and the members of Government for effective talks, and reaffirm that we are keen to develop relations with the fraternal Georgia, and we will always abide by this standpoint.

Thank you very much.

***

In honor of President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, who are paying an official visit to Georgia, an official dinner was given on behalf of Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Mrs. Maka Chichua.

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Giorgi Margvelashvili exchanged toasts in which they touched upon the Armenian-Georgian interstate relations based on respect and mutual trust, as well as the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Georgian peoples, the prospects for strengthened bilateral ties in all areas of bilateral interest.

***
Statement by President Serzh Sargsyan at the official reception hosted by Georgia President Giorgi Margvelashvili

Dear Mr. President,
Distinguished Mrs. Chitchua,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to once again thank Mr. President for the warm and brotherly welcome shown to the Armenian delegation. This visit is undoubtedly another evidence of the ongoing effective cooperation between Armenia and Georgia.

Today’s talks once again proved our aspiration to wind up bilateral relations and give them a new quality of content.

The history of the Armenian-Georgian relations has been based on sincere sympathy, mutual respect and trust of our peoples.

For many centuries, our cultural pioneers - writers and artists, artists, playwrights, actors and musicians - have used their words and deeds to promote closer ties between the Armenian and Georgian peoples.

It is appropriate to recall the following lines of famous Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan: “There is a great wisdom, namely the good relations between peoples that come from the depth of centuries.” Indeed, this is the kind of history of the Armenian and Georgian peoples. It was born in a distant past, deeply rooted over the centuries.

We entertain a unique feeling of warmth for Georgia and for what is Georgian: cinema, song and dance, as well as Georgian bread, wine and cuisine are part of our daily life.

And it is important that we are building our relations with Georgia in the spirit of the time and our rich heritage, which is the unshakable foundation of our high-level interstate relations that we rightfully call fraternal.

In the jubilee year of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia, we have something to boast about. We can gladly state that our cooperation is at a high level in all areas of mutual interest.

I am glad that the traditional multi-layered ties between our countries are enriched with new content every year. First of all, I mean the joint achievements in such key areas as transport, energy, agriculture and tourism.

Our trade turnover is consistently expanding and diversifying, with closer ties of cooperation established in the fields of science, culture and education.

It is emblematic that our dialogue evolves in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust. You may rest assured that we are consistent in the pursuit of our mutual efforts, the results of which are sincerely appreciated by the Armenian people.

Of course, one of the threads of the Armenian-Georgian friendship is the large Armenian community which, being a harmonious part of the Georgian society, is building the future of Georgia together with your people.

One of the most prominent sons of the Georgian people, famous writer Nodar Dumbadze once said: “Armenians and Georgians are peoples of ancient culture. We have been walking side by side along the crossroads of history. We are neighbors physically, whereas we have the same spirit, pathos and genesis in essence. We are linked by destiny.”

History itself testifies to the fact that the most important link between our States is our peoples’ centuries-old friendship, their spiritual and cultural affinity. Our shared values have undergone a long, too long probation. This is the starting point for cooperation.

Dear Friends,

Let me bring a cup in honor of the President of Georgia and Mrs. Chichua, for Georgia’s prosperity and progress and, of course, for the fu8ture of our bilateral friendship.

***
President Giorgi Margvelashvili’s speech at the official reception in honor of President Serzh Sargsyan

Your Excellency President of the Republic of Armenia,
Mr. Serzh Sargsyan,
Mrs. Rita Sargsyan,
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I warmly welcome all of you. I am glad to have the opportunity to host you in Georgia.

Today’s visit is another prominent expression of historical friendship between Georgia and Armenia. It is noteworthy that the 25th anniversary of our diplomatic relations ends up with such a memorable event.

We are not just neighbors: the tradition of our cooperation has a history of millennia, which is successfully developing today.

The secret of our friendship is not only the legendary brotherhood of Kartlos and Hayos. Our culture, art, folklore, traditions are interconnected, and history is full of examples of mutual support.

It is just what has enabled us to overcome many trials, united us against numerous challenges and preserved the originality that our peoples are proud of.

Excellency,

Georgia appreciates and cherishes this friendship, and we are happy to see the achievements of the Republic of Armenia under your leadership.

Taking this opportunity, I sincerely congratulate you on the signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

Here again I want to assure that Georgia will always be an active supporter of peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

We are ready to share the benefits of our European and Euro-Atlantic integration with our friends today and in the future, offering the opportunities that Georgia boasts in terms of cooperation between regions and continents.

Mr. President,

I am glad that the strong and wonderful traditions of bilateral relations are reinforced by our personal friendship. I warmly remember my visit to Armenia and the fond impressions I had of your heartfelt hospitality. After that, we had many meetings, and all of them were inspired by friendship and sincerity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With this spirit, let me offer a toast to our dear guest, the President of the Republic of Armenia and the first lady, Mrs. Rita Sargsyan.

Also, I want to congratulate you all on the upcoming 2018, and wish you much happiness, robust health and every success for the peace and prosperity of the friendly Armenian people.

Long live our guests!

Long live our friendship!

***

On the margins of his official visit to Georgia, accompanied by First Lady Rita Sargsyan, President Serzh Sargsyan visited Hovhannes Tumanyan House Scientific-Cultural Center.

Accompanied by Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, Primate of the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and Director of the Scientific and Cultural Center Gissane Hovsepyan, President Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan toured the Center to inspect the work carried out after renovation and communicate with representatives of the Armenian community.

After watching a film about the Center’s background history and ongoing activities, the President was seen to the southern balcony where Tumanyan used to have a rest and receive guests. The honorary guests were shown to the great poet’s private library, after which the President of Armenia was invited to a tea party with the traditions of Tumanyan’s house.

 ***

 Within the framework of his official visit to Georgia, before holding the scheduled bilateral meetings, President Serzh Sargsyan joined the representatives of the Armenian community in Tbilisi to visit the Church of St. George of the prelacy of the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church this morning, after which he went to Heroes Square and laid a wreath at the memorial and paid tribute.

Then the President of Armenia met with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilya II. On behalf of the whole Armenian nation and on his own behalf, Serzh Sargsyan congratulated Ilya II on the 40th anniversary of the enthronement of the Catholicos Patriarch. In this context, President Sargsyan noted that over these four decades the Patriarch had gone a long way toward consolidating the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The President expressed gratitude to the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia for his prayers for the sake of preserving and deepening the friendship of the Armenian and Georgian peoples. President Sargsyan and Ilia II stressed the importance of relations between the State and the Church. The President of Armenia highly appreciated the role of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian people, especially as the Church replaced the State in the most difficult situations when statehood was absent by keeping up the people’s faith and national identity.

Stressing that Armenia and Georgia boast deeply rooted ties of friendship, Serzh Sargsyan noted that the traditions of friendship are underpinned by shared Christian and cultural values and a solid historical background.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II stressed the important role of the Armenian Apostolic and Georgian Orthodox Churches in developing good-neighborly Armenian-Georgian relations.

During the meeting, the Head of the Armenian State briefed the Catholicos-Patriarch on the results of yesterday’s meeting with President Margvelashvili, noting with satisfaction that key agreements had been reached. The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II asked President Sargsyan to convey his warm greetings and good wishes to the Catholicos of All Armenians.

 ***

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan met with Georgia Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze.

The President of the Georgian Parliament welcomed the delegation led by the President of Armenia and expressed confidence that mutual visits of such a high level might have a positive impact on the strengthening of bilateral interstate relations, as well as the friendship between the Armenian and Georgian peoples. Irakli Kobakhidze stressed that the Parliament of Georgia attaches great importance and was ready to develop close cooperation with Armenia in a bid to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Hailing the progress made in a number of sectors of mutual interest, including the growth of trade turnover, the parties stressed the need for building on these positive trends. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome shown to his delegation on Georgia, noting that such a high level of bilateral relations reached in the year of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia called for stronger commitment.

The President of Armenia highlighted the development of closer relations with Georgia, which has parliamentary governance, considering Armenia’s transition to parliamentary system following the constitutional reform.

Irakli Kobakhidze praised the activity of Armenian MPs in the Parliament of Georgia, stressing that they not only contribute to Parliament’s proceedings, but also promote the Armenian-Georgian relations.

The President of Armenia and the Georgian Parliament Speaker expressed shared opinion that the two friendly countries have common interests, and that close ties are the best way to finding fruitful solutions. The two sides underlined the importance of stability and peace in the region.

After the meeting, Serzh Sargsyan made a record in the Book of Honorary Guests of the Parliament of Georgia.

“Held in the run-up to the holiday season, my official visit to Georgia is a good opportunity to leave a few lines of best wishes in the Book of Honorary Guests of Georgia’s Parliament. I am convinced that our parliaments have a great mission in terms of strengthening the friendship between our two peoples, which dates back to many centuries, because the constitutional changes in Armenia and Georgia made us rethink the role and significance of Parliament. Therefore, I wish that our inter-parliamentary ties that have gained a fresh momentum in the recent period might go strengthening, expanding and deepening year by year to become another motive power behind the further development of interstate relations between Armenia and Georgia. Long live the fraternal Armenian and Georgian peoples,” the President wrote.

***

On the margins of his official visit to Georgia, President Serzh Sargsyan held today private talks with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili.

Pleased with the dynamically developing and ever-strengthening relations between the two friendly countries, the President of Armenia and Prime Minister Kvirikashvili noted the tangible progress made in the trade-economic sphere during the year, as well as the active cooperation in tourism, energy, information technologies and a number of other spheres. The parties agreed that the Armenian-Georgian high-level contacts have built up strong prerequisites for identifying new partnership vectors.

The Georgian Premier noted that while Armenia and Georgia celebrated the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, relations between the two countries have a centuries-old history and, according to Prime Minister Kvirikashvili, they have always been so warm and friendly as they are today. The Georgian Prime Minister felicitated President Sargsyan and the people of Armenia on the upcoming holidays, wishing peace and sustainable development to Armenia.

Thankful for the warm welcome shown to his delegation, President Sargsyan stressed that the centuries-old covered by the Armenian and Georgian peoples compelled the authorities to serve honestly during their term of office for the benefit of the two friendly nations.

The Armenian President congratulated Prime Minister Kvirikashvili and the Georgian people on New Year and Christmas holidays, wishing them every success and optimism on the way to development and prosperity.

The parties reviewed the dynamics and prospects of bilateral relations, as well as issues related to Giorgi Kvirikashvili’s forthcoming visit to Armenia.

After completing his two-day official visit to Georgia, the President-led Armenian delegation returned to Yerevan. Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili saw Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan off to the airport.