From Armenia in brief: Serge Sargsian meets with Georgian president in Tbilisi

Published: Saturday October 04, 2008

President Serge Sargsian of Armenia in Tbilisi with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia on September 30, 2008. Photolure

President Serge Sargsian of Armenia in Tbilisi with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia on September 30, 2008. Photolure

Yerevan - President Serge Sargsian went to Tbilisi for an official visit on September 30 to meet his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili. Armenia's president expressed his condolences for the lost lives after the conflict in August in the country. Both men stressed the importance of the centuries-long relationship of Armenia and Georgia and underscored the necessity to further deepen relations and foster development between the two countries. According to Armenpress, the presidents also discussed a number of issues on economic cooperation and partnership including the spheres of energy and transport, making special reference to border zoning activities, inter-border cooperation, as well as the facilitation of entry processes for the citizens of both countries.

According to Arminfo Georgia and Armenia reached an agreement to set up a consortium on the construction of a highway between the two states that will run through Ajaria. They are hopeful that the consortium will procure the necessary funds for the construction of this highway in two months' time. According to the Georgian president, they have already started construction through the aid of foreign finances. Almost 70 percent of all Armenian trade flows through Georgia.

Mr. Sargsian also stressed that Georgia's stability was imperative for peace and stability in the entire region. Noting that Armenia has a strategic partnership with Russia, at the same time, Armenia and Georgia are neighbors.  "Our commitments as partners, neighbors, and strategic allies must not bother each other and must not contradict one another," the Armenian president said.

--M.T.