Pashinyan Condemns Attempts by Azerbaijan to Violate Trilateral Statements

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, has arrived in Armenia on an official visit. The information was announced by the press office of the Prime Minister’s office of Armenia. Gharibashvili arrived at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport and was welcomed at Baghramyan 26 by acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

After the formal greeting ceremony, a private conversation took place between Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Gharibashvili. In his remarks, Pashinyan stated, “Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia, dear Irakli, I welcome you to Armenia. Recently, our high-level communications have slowed somewhat due to the coronavirus. I am glad that we are now restoring high-level mutual visits. Our bilateral relations agenda is very broad, ranging from transport communications to energy and communication routes. Of course, the fight against the coronavirus is also an important topic on our joint agenda. Our political relations have traditionally been warm and are based on the historical friendship and brotherhood of our peoples and countries. I believe we have issues in our agenda that we need to discuss regarding the situation and prospects in the region, trying to align our perceptions, of course in order to deepen our traditional ties in the political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural directions. And of course, our countries and peoples must support each other in ensuring the prosperity and development of our states. Again, I welcome you and I am confident that we will have effective discussions today.”

Irakli Gharibashvili expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and noted, “Mr. Prime Minister, it is a great honor for me to meet with you. You mentioned the coronavirus pandemic; it has affected all countries and peoples. Despite this, I came and was hosted here with great honor and respect. As we know, there are friendly ties between our peoples, not merely neighborly ones. Our relations and friendship have a long history, and we are interested in ensuring peace, stability, and development in Armenia and across the region. You also mentioned our agenda today, which can be multifaceted. We need to discuss how we can further develop our trade, economic, and cultural relations, addressing issues such as transport and logistics. These matters will bring us even closer together, in a regional context as well. Once again, let me emphasize that being here is a great honor for me. I am confident that our meeting will be productive. Thank you.”

After the private conversation between Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Gharibashvili, an expanded meeting of the government delegations of Armenia and Georgia took place. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that in the framework of the private conversation, they discussed regional security issues and exchanged thoughts regarding the current situation in Armenia's Syunik province. Both sides emphasized that both Armenia and Georgia are interested in maintaining peace and stability in the region, which is crucial for the development of cooperation. In this context, Nikol Pashinyan condemned attempts by Azerbaijan to violate the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021.

The interlocutors once again expressed satisfaction with the centuries-old friendship nature of Armenian-Georgian relations, which serves as a solid foundation for deepening the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In the context of enhancing trade and economic ties between Armenia and Georgia, the importance of developing transport communications, including railway infrastructure, was highlighted. The parties expressed interest in initiating new joint projects in this direction and agreed to work intensively. The prospect of a five-sided cooperation format involving Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Iran, as well as actively working on the draft agreement regarding the establishment of the “Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport Corridor,” was regarded as promising by both sides.

Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Gharibashvili also addressed the issues related to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and shared information about the steps being taken towards their elimination.