Chaired by Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Garibashvili, the regular session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Armenia and Georgia was held in Yerevan.

Before that, the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia had a private conversation.

In his welcoming speech at the session, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated,

"Dear Prime Minister Garibashvili,

Dear attendees,

I am glad to host you and my colleague Prime Minister Garibashvili and the delegation led by him in Yerevan to participate in the regular 12th session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia. The chairmanship of this session at the level of the Prime Ministers of the two countries once again testifies to the valuing of bilateral relations and keeping the partnership agenda under high care.

The fact that after a long pause, starting from 2019 until now, three sessions of the intergovernmental commission have already been convened. There is a mutual interest in ensuring the periodicity of this important format aimed at promoting relations between our countries and the effective implementation of the agreements recorded therein.

I would like to state with satisfaction that the agenda of the meeting of this intergovernmental commission is quite full and includes various spheres of bilateral cooperation: transport, communication, energy, information technology, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, science, education, environmental protection, etc. I am confident that the agreements reached within the framework of the session will be successfully implemented, giving a new quality and content to the Armenian-Georgian relations.

Of course, in addition to issues of bilateral economic nature, issues of security, political and regional significance are subject to discussion with Mr. Prime Minister. I would like to emphasize that there is mutual understanding in such matters, which is conditioned by the centuries-old ties between our peoples and the acknowledgment of the priority of Armenian-Georgian brotherly relations.

Let me wish success in the implementation of all mutually beneficial bilateral initiatives. I am sure that in the future both sides will make all necessary efforts to maintain at a high level and expand the existing multi-content relations, for the implementation of which it is necessary to show tireless care every day. Thank you."

In his turn, Irakli Garibashvili said,

"Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I salute your government, members of the commission. It is a great honor for me to be in Yerevan and chair the 12th session of the Economic Commission with my colleague and friend.

First of all, I would like to point out that the economic commission is an important platform for strengthening economic, trade, transport and cultural ties between our countries. As it is known, we have centuries-old neighborly friendship and brotherhood, and today's meeting will be another step in terms of economic progress of our countries, introduction of innovations.

And all this can be achieved only in conditions of peace and regional stability. We have a pretty positive dynamic between the governments. I would like to note with pleasure that the trade turnover increased by approximately 70 percent and exceeded 1 billion USD in January-November last year. It is indeed a welcome result. Armenia has become the 6th trade partner for Georgia. Armenia is on the 6th place in the top ten, which makes us very happy.

I also want to note that we have positive progress in all directions. tourism, cargo, indicators have increased in all directions.

Mr. Prime Minister,

Dear commission members,

I also want to mention that our government, our country, our people are interested in long-term peace in the region. For this purpose, I would like to mention that we have an initiative for the formation of a peaceful neighborhood platform. This format will not replace other formats and other initiatives, on the contrary, it will help and further strengthen the chances for establishing long-term peace and stability in the region.

I want to point out once again that without stability and peace, it is impossible to achieve strong, long-term economic growth and the well-being of our peoples.

I want to thank the commission members of both countries. Very effective, fruitful work has been done by both governments.

Once again, I salute you all, I sincerely congratulate you on the New Year and Christmas, I wish success and well-being to our friendly Armenian people."

During the session, issues related to the further deepening and expansion of cooperation between the two countries in various fields were discussed. In particular, reference was made to joint programs in the fields of trade, energy, infrastructure, industry, tourism, education and culture.

Based on the results of the meeting, Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Garibashvili signed the “Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia on mutual visa-free travel for citizens of the two states", which will enter into force after the parliaments ratify it. The minutes of the meeting of the intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation was also signed.