Pashinyan and Mirzoyan Visit Georgia for Talks on Strategic Cooperation

| News, Politics, Armenia, Georgia

On March 3, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia arrived in Georgia for a working visit, where he was welcomed at Tbilisi International Airport by Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

On March 4, a private meeting took place between Prime Minister Pashinyan and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The leaders discussed a broad agenda of bilateral strategic relations, emphasizing the development and expansion of trade and economic cooperation. They highlighted the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Armenia and Georgia, noting its potential to give new momentum to multi-sectoral collaboration. The prime ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, underlining the continuity of efforts to ensure peace and stability.

The 15th session of the Intergovernmental Commission was held in Sighnaghi, Georgia, with both prime ministers presiding. Kobakhidze welcomed the Armenian delegation, stressing the historical and friendly ties between the two nations as the foundation of their strategic partnership. "Of course, this level of cooperation allows us to achieve great success together, to strengthen our countries, and to deepen our partnership," Kobakhidze stated. He emphasized Armenia’s position among Georgia’s top ten foreign trade partners and top three in tourism, highlighting close cooperation in education, culture, and people-to-people relations. Kobakhidze also welcomed the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement, noting its positive implications for regional peace and stability.

Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed gratitude for Georgia’s support in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and in fostering bilateral trade and economic ties. He noted the historic reopening of rail transport from Armenia through Azerbaijan and Georgia, underscoring Georgia’s critical role in enabling exports and regional connectivity. "The international and regional situation is complicated, but understanding opportunities, challenges, and risks at the regional level is strategically important," Pashinyan stated. He also highlighted Armenia’s focus on "regionalization" as outlined in the 2021 Government Program, emphasizing trilateral cooperation between Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan as a priority for regional development.

During the session, issues across the economy, energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors were discussed. Pashinyan provided updates on the TRIPP investment project and stressed the importance of institutionalizing friendly ties between the Armenian and Georgian peoples as part of sustainable interstate relations. The session concluded with the signing of the minutes of the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Commission, after which both prime ministers addressed the press.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze reiterated the strength of Armenia-Georgia ties, noting the high level of cooperation across multiple sectors and the potential for further growth. He praised Armenia’s support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including backing resolutions in the UN General Assembly. Kobakhidze expressed optimism about the positive trends in regional peace and emphasized Georgia’s commitment to supporting stability in the South Caucasus.

In his statement, Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked Kobakhidze for his personal support in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and Georgia’s role in facilitating Armenia’s economic relations with Azerbaijan. He highlighted growing tourism flows, cultural and educational exchanges, and active cooperation on international platforms. Pashinyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to regional stability and peace and expressed hope that Georgia would achieve a similar settlement. He emphasized that Armenia values both historical ties and the institutionalization of these relationships to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Also on March 4, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili in Sighnaghi. They discussed the bilateral partnership agenda and highlighted the importance of the Intergovernmental Commission session as a sign of dynamic cooperation. The ministers also touched upon the situation in the Middle East, stressing the value of peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation to assist citizens through the resident embassies of both countries. Additionally, they exchanged views on opportunities for regional collaboration and engagement in multilateral formats.

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