Armen Sarkissian: Search for the resolution of the conflicts should be exclusively peaceful, based on international law and norms, and in the case of Artsakh, based on respect for the right for self-determination

Presidents of Armenia and Georgia Armen Sarkissian and Salome Zurabishvili recapped the results of the meetings with the statements for the press.

Statement of President Armen Sarkissian:

Honorable Madam President,

Distinguished journalists,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to salute Madam President and her delegation on the occasion of the first official visit to Armenia.

The nature of the Armenian- Georgian relations has always been that of mutual understanding and trust.

Our common history is defined by the traditions and many civilizational similarities of the two friendly nations. Today, the multifaceted cooperation of our two countries is developing and strengthening on that foundation.

Today too, the development of special relations with Georgia occupies its unique place on Armenia’s foreign agenda. This is also testified to by the recent regular visits of the highest level and reached agreements.

I assess our negotiations with my Georgian colleague, Madam President as productive. We touched upon a number of issues of mutual interest. Armenia is constantly interested in the establishment and preservation in the region of the atmosphere of peace, security, and cooperation.

We discussed issues pertinent to the resolution of the regional conflicts. My Georgian colleague and I agreed that problems and conflicts are not identical, and the bases for their resolution are not identical either.

Nonetheless, I am convinced that solutions to the conflicts should be exclusively peaceful, based on international law snd norms, and in the case of Artsakh, based on respect for the right for self-determination.

Discussed were also opportunities to implement joint programs in the areas of transportation, tourism, new technologies, agriculture, and others. We also stressed the importance of implementing in the South Caucasus the programs in the areas of infrastructure, energy, and logistics to ensure security, stability, and development of the region.

We attach great importance to the cooperation in the areas of culture, education, and preservation of cultural heritage. We are confident that our joint efforts in these areas will be productive.

In the end, allow me to reiterate our conviction that through the joint efforts, we will be able to further deepen the traditionally friendly relations between Armenia snd Georgia.
Once again, Madam President, I am happy to have this meeting with you, and I accept with pleasure your invitation to visit Georgia.