I welcome Mikheil Janelidze, Foreign Minister of Georgia, who is paying an official visit to Armenia.

We are always glad to host our Georgian friends. You are aware, that traditionally close partnership relations have been established over the years between the representatives of the governments of two neighbouring states, directed towards strengthening and deepening of relations between our states. The meetings of foreign ministers create good opportunity in this respect.

To say that the relations between Armenia and Georgia are friendly, means to say very little. Everything, which characterizes each of our peoples, is closely interconnected. This is not a coincidence, as we live side by side for over thousands of years. This is a time-tested friendship, based on mutual respect. Those relations between the two countries keep expanding and deepening, also with such a connecting link as are the Georgian-Armenians.

It is always useful for the MFAs of the states located in the same geopolitical environment to exchange thoughts on pressing international and regional issues.

Regarding bilateral relations, as mentioned on numerous occasions and I would like to reiterate in the presence of the new Foreign Minister of Georgia, that there are no problems between Armenia and Georgia, there are issues that are being solved through joint efforts.

During our today's negotiations we discussed the process of implementation of agreements, made by the Presidents of our countries, numerous issues on the Armenian-Georgian agenda. There are nearly 7 dozen of agreements signed by our states, covering almost all the areas. This comprehensive legal basis, mutual interests and readiness create a firm ground for the development of bilateral relations. We also agreed to further facilitate consultations between the MFAs, cooperation within international organizations.

Together with my Georgian counterpart we exchanged thoughts on the activity of Inter-governmental Committee. Those issues would be covered during today's meeting of RA Prime-Minister with Mr. Janelidze. We also reflected on the active inter-parliamentary cooperation.

We discussed the development of transport infrastructure, issues of the cooperation in the fields of energy, trade and economy, tourism.

We continue cooperation with Georgia in the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage. The presence of the leadership of Georgia together with the President of Armenia, Catholicos of All Armenians at the re-consecration ceremony of St. George Cathedral in Tbilisi, is its best evidence.

I briefed my counterpart about the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. In this regards, Georgia's support to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs efforts, which is the only internationally mandated format, for exclusively peaceful settlement of the issue is important.

Mr. Janelidze, I am glad to welcome you in the new premises of the MFA of Armenia, as you are the first foreign high-ranking guest, we make press statements with. It is my pleasure to share this moment with the representative of friendly Georgian people. Now, I would like to pass the floor to my counterpart.