Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted, at the government building, a delegation led by Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who is on an official visit to Armenia, the PM’s office informs.

The premier welcomed the official visit of the delegation led by the Georgian president to Armenia, and once again congratulated Mikheil Kavelashvili on his election as president of fraternal Georgia. Also, Pashinyan wished Kavelashvili success in his accountable position—and for the benefit of fraternal Georgia, bilateral relations, and the region.

“You know how much we [i.e. Armenia] value our bilateral relations with Georgia and have already raised our relations to the level of strategic partnership. I believe that this is a step that expresses our long-term intentions. I have always said and continue to remain convinced that Georgia and Armenia have shared interests, and we should build our relations on these interests,” said Nikol Pashinyan, adding that he is convinced that these interests fit also into the context of the long-term development of the South Caucasus.

In turn Mikheil Kavelashvili thanked for the warm hospitality, and noted that it is a great honor to be in neighboring Armenia for the first time as the President of Georgia.

“It is a great honor for me because our [two] nations have been living side by side for centuries, our friendship, which is very exemplary throughout the world, has been for more than 3,000 years. I have talked about this also with the president of Armenia, and it is indeed very special that our [two] nations exist today. Of course, our relations must deepen and develop. A strategic agreement was signed last year,” the president of Georgia said, adding that everything must be done to make the South Caucasus a powerful region. Also, Mikheil Kavelashvili welcomed the fact that the text of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been agreed upon, and expressed hope that it will be signed soon and there will be lasting peace and stability in the region.

Subsequently, the interlocutors discussed various matters on the agenda of Armenia-Georgia cooperation—and which related to joint programs in the economy, tourism, infrastructure, education, and some other domains. The parties underscored the intensive nature of high-level mutual visits, and expressed a conviction that active dialogue gives new impetus to promoting cooperation in all domains.

In addition, the interlocutors touched upon the processes taking place in the region. Both parties emphasized the importance of signing the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to ensure long-term peace in the region.