Georgian FM highlights “new impetus” in Armenia ties on counterpart visit

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday said the ongoing visit of his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan to the country would bring a “new impetus” to the relations between the two states.

In his comments at a joint press briefing, Darchiashvili said Georgia and Armenia were “linked by a special friendship and neighbourly ties dating back centuries”, and noted the bilateral cooperation had “moved to a qualitatively new level” after the signing if a strategic partnership agreement earlier this year.

The new stage was a turning point in our multilateral cooperation. At today's meeting, I once again extended my gratitude to my counterpart for the historic support of the United Nations resolution which confirmed the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to [the country's Russian-occupied regions of] Abkhazia and Tskhinvali”, he said.

The Minister added his meeting with the visiting official had discussed political and economic cooperation, as well as “ongoing processes” in the South Caucasus region.

Georgia and Armenia firmly support and respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We talked about the intensive multidimensional cooperation between our countries. Armenia is in the top 10 trade partners of Georgia, and in the top three in terms of tourism. […] I am sure that the economic cooperation between us will be further strengthened, which will bring benefits to both countries”, he said.

We talked about the ongoing processes in the region, existing challenges and opportunities, and we emphasised the importance of our joint efforts in the process of dealing with these challenges. Georgia firmly supports stability and peaceful coexistence in the South Caucasus”, the FM added.

Darchiashvili also expressed hope the peace agreement process between Armenia and Azerbaijan would maintain “positive dynamics”, and voiced his Government’s readiness to continue contributing to “promotion of constructive dialogue and stability and peace in the region, within the limits of our neighbours' needs and our ability”.

The official noted the meeting had also discussed “various challenges” the country was facing, the ongoing Russian occupation and “difficulties that arise from the process”, as well as “future prospects” and the country’s foreign policy priorities.

The top Georgian diplomat extended his gratitude to Mirzoyan for his “reliable partnership and excellent cooperation”, adding the “centuries-old friendship between our nations” have the two governments a “solid foundation to further strengthen ties between our states, which is very important”.