Armenia and Georgia have been neighbors in the region for many centuries and high-level regular meetings between them are simply necessary, Georgian expert Paata Zakareishvili told NEWS.am, commenting on Saakashvili’s forthcoming visit to Armenia.

According to him, Georgian authorities finally realized that no one is closer to the region and for this reason Saakashvili has intensified his activities in the South Caucasus. The expert stressed the Georgian President’s visit to Armenia should be viewed in this context.

“Such meetings are of high importance between neighboring countries to maintain a high-level political dialogue. Besides, the meeting will focus topical issues, particularly, the price for Armenia’s cargo transportation via Georgia, as well as the possible purchase of Georgian sector of Armenia-Russia gas pipeline by Azerbaijan,” the political scientist said. According to him, Saakashvili will make every effort to persuade the Armenian colleague that the deal is purely commercial.

“Georgia is interested in selling the project. I am totally against it as in any case Georgia will lose control over the gas section. As a result, it may appear in Russia’s hands. However, I am certain it is a commercial deal and it will be sold to the one, who will offer more favorable terms,” Zakareishvili said.

As for the Georgian eparchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and acquisition of its status, the expert said any church in Georgia’s territory, both Armenian and Georgian should have equal rights. “This issue is not politicians’ business. Let the churches solve their problems themselves,” he noted.