The Government of the Republic of Armenia

I convey my warm greetings to the participants and the guests of this meeting of the Armenian-Georgian Business Partnership Association. We happened to refer to the need in the establishment of such an association, as well as to took time to discuss its goals and objectives with a follow-up record made in the minutes of the meeting of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission held in Tbilisi last July. Then my Georgian counterpart Mr. Zurab Zhvania and I stressed that, if efficient, the association might be instrumental in boosting economic cooperation, increasing the level of commodity exchanges and setting up closer business ties between the two countries, and this was not an exaggeration at all. Much has yet to be done in terms of expanding and developing economic relationship by making better use of the potentialities and pre-requisites available, among which I would like to emphasize the centuries-old friendship, as well as the existing positive trends towards furthering mutual understanding and cooperation between our two peoples, which were given a strong impetus following the change of power in Georgia. All the above is beeing supported by the growing number of high-level contacts and active discussions of different programs of mutual interest. Newer and wider opportunities for cooperation will open up before our countries through their involvement in the European Neighborhood program. We stand ready to enter into mutually beneficial partnership all along the West-East- and North-South-bound axes of cooperation. There are numerous fields for economic exchanges, to begin with transport, industry and agriculture and inclusive of culture, education and scientific research.

The authorities on both sides are prepared and willingful to address the problems arising from the non-efficient use of economic resources. I am happy to learn that the Armenian-Georgian Business Partnership Association has been taking active efforts towards the fulfilment of the tasks set forward. Several arrangements were reached with their Georgian counterparts by the Armenian members of the initiative group during the visit of a government delegation from Armenia to Georgia last September and some positive shifts were made after the Association had raised a number of burning issues before the Georgian authorities: I mean, first of all, the asphalting of the motorway going from the Bagratashen border-point to Tbilisi, the free movement of the Armenian vehicles along the Georgian roads. The issue of providing the Armenian transit freight free access to Russia and other countries through Poti and Batumi sea-ports and the inland road network of Georgia is being settled. Specific steps are underway to ensure favorable conditions for the establishment of joint ventures with Tbilisi-based Armenian economic operators etc.

I am hopeful that your joint activities will expand for the benefit of our two countries. I would like to once again assure you of my government's thoughtfulness of your needs and wish you every success in your future undertakings.