YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Following the private conversation between the PMs of Armenia and Georgia and the expanded-format talks between official delegations Karen Karapetyan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili made joint statements for the press on the results of the negotiations, “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia.

Bellow is the full text of the speeches of both PMs.

Georgian PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili – I cordially greet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, my friend Karen Karapetyan. I am glad today we had the opportunity to discuss some issues over further developing the relations of our countries. We will be able to make a significant contribution to the further development of the friendly relations between Armenia and Georgia. We expressed readiness to continue high-level meetings and further support the close cooperation of sectoral agencies. In the eyes of Georgia, Armenia represents a country with which we share centuries of good-neighborly traditions and solid people-to-people links. 2017 is a remarkable year in terms of the modern history of the relations between the countries. Namely, this year marks 25th anniversary of launching diplomatic relations between Georgia and Armenia. Throughout these years we managed to solidify the friendly relations between our nations and built the mutually beneficial cooperation. The Parliamentary elections in Armenia will take place on April 2 of this year. We are convinced that the elections will be conducted at a high level and the mentioned event will be in full compliance with the international standards and the principles of democracy. We regard this election as an additional step towards development of the country.

During the meeting we discussed the main areas of cooperation between our countries. We analyzed the trade and economic situation as well as perspectives of deepening our cooperation. We discussed key issues in the spheres of transport, energy, tourism, culture etc. We particularly focused on the challenges facing the region and underlined that preservation of peace and stability are of vital importance for the development of our countries.

Mr. Prime Minister had quite interesting suggestions regarding cooperation and full utilization of the common market across the various industries of the both countries. We expressed readiness to work actively in this area and motivate the private sectors of both countries to fully employ the potential of the regional cooperation.

I wish to once again thank my colleague for his visit to Georgia. I think this official visit will be another step to promote bilateral cooperation. Thank you.

Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan – I am thankful honorable Prime Minister. I wish to thank for the invitation and the cordial reception on behalf of our delegation- cordial in any sense – both meaningful conversation and sunny weather. As my colleague noted, we had a very meaningful conversation over all the spheres that are in the interest of both states. We agreed to give new impetus to all those directions. We discussed the issue of regional cooperation and I am convinced that we have an enormous potential in this area. We would like Georgians to view Armenia as a country that is worth investing in and visiting as a tourist. We agreed with the Georgian Premier to move forward in that direction. Moreover, our colleagues have an offer for all the Georgian businessmen who are interested in Armenian and neighboring markets.  Taking the opportunity I wish to once again express gratitude and have the honor to invite my colleague to Yerevan in an official visit whenever it’s convenient for him to be able to develop the potential. I am convinced we have very promising opportunities.