Dear Madam Minister, dear Maka, dear colleagues,

I am very happy to return to Tbilisi once again, this time on an official visit, and I would like to express my gratitude for the traditional warm welcome.

Dear colleagues,

We can note that, as my esteemed colleague mentioned, this year has also been full of bilateral contacts between our countries, active political dialogue, and regular visits at the highest level. Last month, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia was in Tbilisi to participate in the "Silk Road" international conference. Soon, the President of the Republic of Armenia will visit Georgia.

There are direct contacts and cooperation between our various ministries. Our bilateral agenda is multi-layered, encompassing active cooperation in all areas, from economy to security, from education and culture to tourism and people-to-people contacts, exchanges and visits. 

Nevertheless, not to repeat the sectors and events listed by my colleague, I will focus on one direction, which is gaining greater importance in current dynamics and tendencies, and thus requires more attention. That is connectivity. And when I say connectivity, I mean both macro and micro levels: at the macro level – the launch of communications in the region, economic and trade ties between the two countries, and at the micro level – the connectivity between peoples, individuals in trade, business, jobs, tourism, and other areas. This connectivity is truly more in demand than ever and serves as an important guarantee of the well-being of our citizens.

In terms of macro-level connectivity, it is necessary, of course, to mention the potential of each of our countries and the region of the South Caucasus as a whole, to become a bridge, through mutually beneficial cooperation, for a broader geography, between other regions that are greatly interested in this connectivity. In this context, the "Crossroads of Peace" project, this initiative of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, which the Prime Minister of Armenia presented for the first time right here in Tbilisi, is not new. But what is new here is the fact of the establishment of peace: peace that was established between Armenia and Azerbaijan through agreements reached in Washington, DC, on August 8 with the involvement of the President of the United States. We are convinced that with the establishment of this peace, with the continuous strengthening of peace and sovereignty, our region can truly transform into a crossroads, a hub of communications.

The unblocking of infrastructures between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the implementation of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" project on the territory of Armenia within the framework of the principles of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, sovereignty, and jurisdiction, will ensure mutual benefits, and what is most important – peace rather than conflict will be beneficial for the countries of the region and, consequently, it will ensure the stability.

This unblocking will create unimpeded connectivity between all the countries of the South Caucasus and the neighboring regions, including, for example, providing Georgia with a railway connection to the Persian Gulf. The opening of the Gyumri-Kars railway on the Armenia-Türkiye border can also, of course, have significant importance in this regard, together with the Georgian railways becoming an important part of the Europe-Central Asia connectivity chain.

This is Armenia's vision and the basis for the practical steps we undertake.

Dear colleagues,

Naturally, the traditional Armenian-Georgian friendship, which has now found its expression in the document of our strategic partnership, can both contribute to and benefit from these developments.

Through strategic partnership, we must continuously contribute to the expansion and strengthening of connectivity and, conversely, not allow any obstacles on that path. Today, I discussed this vision and approach with my counterpart, and I believe there is a mutually beneficial understanding. For sure, we are aware of the issues raised by business circles, and we have mutual political understanding in the direction of addressing them.

The strong bond between our two peoples is also expressed through culture: this June, Days of Georgian Culture were held in Yerevan, and preparatory work is currently underway for the Days of Armenian Culture in Georgia.

I must note with satisfaction, that, parallel to cooperation in various sectoral directions, the cooperation established between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs is very intensive. Consultations and contacts are regular. The last session of official consultations took place in August in Yerevan.

Dear attendees,

With my colleague, we exchanged views on various international topics.

We also discussed issues of cooperation on multilateral platforms – in executive and legislative directions.

Next spring, Armenia will host the European Political Community summit, and we will be expecting the Georgian side in Yerevan.

In conclusion, I would like once again to express my gratitude, dear Minister Botchorishvili, for today's discussions and for the readiness to consistently advance the strategic, practical connectivity between Armenia and Georgia.