On the first day of his two-day private visit to Georgia, President Serzh Sargsyan in Batumi met with this counterpart Mikhail Sahakashvili. The two Presidents discussed issues pertinent to the further deepening of the Armenian-Georgian friendly relations and economic cooperation. They also spoke about the ongoing works to open the Upper Lars border crossing.

After the meeting, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Mikhail Sahakashvili answered questions raised by journalists.

The President of Georgia welcomed this Armenian colleague and noted that his country always rejoices at Armenia’s success and is saddened with Armenia’s problems; Armenia feels the same for Georgia. “I believe, that these cordial relations and close cooperation are conditioned not only ours - the Presidents’ personal input, even though it is important, but first of all they must be credited to our two nations,” President Sahakashvili underlined and added, “Many Armenians visit this town in summer, and locals welcome them with pleasure. In addition, many ethnic Armenians live here and there is also an Armenian church. All ethnic groups coexist peacefully, and we are very proud of that fact and consider it to be our achievement.”

The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome and said that he heard a lot about Batumi and is much impressed with what he has seen on this visit. Serzh Sargsyan reiterated that Armenia and Georgia enjoy excellent relations and expressed confidence and it will last forever. “We have lived like brothers for thousand years and will continue to.”

Accompanied by Mikhail Sahakashvili, President Serzh Sargsyan made a tour of Batumi, observed construction works and investment programs aimed at the town’s development.

Today, President Sargsyan is to visit the Armenian church, where he will meet with the representatives of the Armenian community of Ajaria.


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