President Serzh Sargsyan welcomes Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili

President Serzh Sargsyan received today Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Armenia.

The President welcomed Irakli Garibashvili’s first visit to Armenia in the capacity of Prime Minister of Georgia, stressing the importance of reciprocated high-level visits to interstate relations, which in the President’s opinion provide a good opportunity to quickly address various issues on the quite hectic bilateral agenda.

The President said visits like that ought to be paid more frequently. Serzh Sargsyan stressed that the Armenian-Georgian relations are at an historical high, which makes it possible to discuss in a natural, free and easy atmosphere not only any problem of mutual interest, but also issues of regional relevance.

Thankful for a warm reception, Georgia’s Prime Minister said that to have arrived in Armenia to reaffirm his deep respect for the Republic of Armenia, the President and the Armenian people, as well as to strengthen and upgrade the Armenian-Georgian relations.

Irakli Garibashvili agreed with the President of Armenia that bilateral relations are on a very high level, and meetings like this may deepen the ties between the two countries.

The head of the Georgian government underscored that he has always said and can reiterate now that Armenia is not only Georgia’s next-door neighbor, but also a friendly State. In his belief, such friendly relations should be used to do many good and useful things for the two nations’ well-being. The Prime Minister appreciated very much the warm welcome shown to him and his delegation all the way through his official visit to Armenia, which is typical of a good friend.

Irakli Garibashvili briefed President Serzh Sargsyan on the results of his meetings and discussions held in Yerevan, as well as on the arrangements made during the meetings.

While discussing key issues on bilateral agenda and regional developments, the interlocutors said to be pleased with the fact that the agreement reached during President Serzh Sargsyan’s official visit to Georgia of this June 18 regarding the construction of a new bridge called Friendship Bridge at Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border checkpoint is taking effect. Both sides reiterated their commitment to speeding up the construction of the bridge.

After the meeting, a working lunch was offered at the Presidential Palace in honor of the Georgian Prime Minister and his delegation.