We are very optimistic and hopeful about the ongoing dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and I would like to express the hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon sign a peace treaty. Such a statement the Prime Minister of Georgia made at the joint press-conference with the Prime Minister of Armenia.

“I would like to point out that we had a very good meeting. Together with Mister Prime Minister, we discussed important matters pertaining to the relations, partnership, and cooperation between the two countries across a variety of directions. I also want to inform you that we held the 13th Meeting of the Commission for Economic Cooperation, during which we also discussed important topics related to trade, economy, and our relations in general. It is with great pleasure that I want to announce that the trade relations between our countries are on the rise, with the trade turnover having already exceeded one billion USD. Armenia is the 6th largest trade partner of Georgia, also the 2nd largest import country, which we of course welcome. I also want to emphasize with pleasure that, last year, we received almost one million tourists from Armenia, which is undoubtedly very important to our country, for the development of our economy.

Most importantly, I would like to single out our today’s decision, on which we have been working over the recent months. As early as the spring of 2023, I announced that we would sign a memorandum on strategic partnership. I also want to underline that traditionally, historically we are strong allies and friends, not just neighbors, and we enjoy a very good partnership, relations, and cooperation in every direction. In fact, one may say that we have always been strategic friends and strategic partners to begin with, and today this reality, this given fact has been formalized by officially signing the cooperation agreement on strategic partnership. I also want to point out that we are thankful to our Armenian colleagues.

Needless to say, both countries are committed, and both Governments are ready to further develop our trade and economic relations. Georgia has always been in favor of lasting peace and stability in the region. Mister Prime Minister is well aware of my position and the position of our Government. We have always been and are ready to contribute to the cause of establishing lasting peace, which will benefit the countries and nations of the entire region. We are very optimistic and hopeful about the ongoing dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and I would like to express the hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon sign a peace treaty, which will undeniably foster the strengthening of peace in the region, also promoting stability, which - and I would like to repeat - is important to our countries and our nations”, - said Irakli Garibashvili.