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''Distinguished Speaker of the Georgian Parliament,

Honourable colleagues,

Honourable Ambassadors,

Dear attendees,

I have the honour to welcome all the participants of the conference. I am especially glad for the presence of the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Mr Usupashvili. The participation of the Speakers of the two parliaments unequivocally witnesses to the mutual willingness for further strengthening and expanding of the inter-parliamentary ties between our states. Taking the advantage I would like to thank the Ambassador Sorokin for the assistance shown by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The friendly relations between Armenia and Georgia have centuries-old history based on the manifestation of good will and mutual respect. The cultural and spiritual common traits also unite our two nations, as well as the caring attitude of the states towards cultural heritage. Our two states have always been led by all-human value system, and we are assigned to continue the reforms in strengthening democracy and provision of human rights.

Since independence the relations between Armenia and Georgia have reached to a high level which is a firm basis for dynamic development of mutually beneficial cooperation. I would like to mention with joy that today active cooperation is noticed in the spheres of transport, communication, agriculture, development of infrastructures and in a number of other spheres.

As you are aware, Armenia has initiated “Modernization of Bavra, Gogavan and Bagratashen, the three northern state crossing points” comprehensive programme with about 60mln euros: the construction of the new crossing points was launched in September 2013. In the implementation of the construction works close cooperation was needed with the Georgian colleagues, particularly, in the construction of Bagratashen new bridge, as well as in the choice of the road junction venue of Bavra crossing point. Unfortunately, there is no full cooperation reached on this issue. In the present it is necessary to reach an agreement in the issue of the construction of sections of the crossing points. In the near future the RA Government is planning to have a discussion with the Georgian colleagues over those issues. I ask for Mr Speaker's support in providing the cooperation of the Georgian side.

Dear colleagues,

I should note with satisfaction that the high level of the political dialogue gives wide opportunities in the sphere of foreign policy for the constructive cooperation between our states, stemming from the problems of fundamental importance for Armenia and Georgia.

The Armenian side greatly highlights the role of the inter-parliamentary relations in the development of inter-state relations. In this context I highlight the activities of the Committees on parliamentary cooperation. There was a time when in our parliaments such Committees were functioning, and it is only characteristic to a strategic partnership, but the activities of the committees were terminated by objective reasons.

The Armenian side reaffirms its readiness to restore the mentioned dimension of cooperation, expecting mutual initiative. With that step we will greatly promote the enlivening of inter-parliamentary relations, paving the way for the inclusive cooperation in other spheres of vital importance.

I hope that today's conference will be a basis for continuity of inter-parliamentary dialogue. It can be also effective in terms of showing consolidated approaches during the voting of the resolutions of vital importance for the sides in the international parliamentary structures and mutual support to each other's candidacies in the international instances.

All this is done with one goal - to further strengthen and expand the centuries-old friendship of the two friendly peoples and the strategic cooperation between our two states for the benefit of the establishment of peace and stability in the region and formation of atmosphere of mutual trust.

I wish you effective work and success in the fulfillment of your mission.''