President Welcomes the Result of PM’s Visit to Azerbaijan

“Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili welcomes the result of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia's visit to Azerbaijan,” - the President's Administration reports.

The President's statement reads that the opening of the churches in the Davit Gareji Monastery complex for the Georgian clergymen is another step towards resolving the issue of Gareji complex and the border demarcation.

“The opening of the churches within the Davit Gareji Monastery for the Georgian clergymen is another step towards resolving the issue of Gareji complex and the border demarcation. Azerbaijan is our strategic partner and I am convinced that as a result of joint efforts, the two countries will find a solution that is in the best interests of the two friendly countries," Zurabishvili noted.

On October 9, Gakharia had his first official visit to Baku, where he met with President of Azerbaijan. Throughout the meeting, the parties discussed the issues of vital importance, including major aspects of strategic partnership and joint regional projects.

"Mr. President Aliyev noted that our countries have a history and geography that links us very close to each other. Of course, I can fully agree with these words. We had an open conversation on the current problems and as a result, I can say that the churches within the Davit Gareji Complex will open to Georgian clergymen starting tomorrow. Therefore, we need to make serious progress in this direction step by step. We have repeatedly stated that this problem must be resolved within the national interest of the two countries, taking into account its historical heritage. This is the most important component of our approach. I would also like to remind you that our citizens are responsible and cautious in the context of every step, word, and we should all remember that love and patriotism do not mean pseudo-patriotic expressions and thoughtless steps. This is the approach we should have in this direction and we must maintain it,” he said at a government meeting today. 

The newly appointed PM will also visit Armenia next week and will arrive in Turkey at the end of October.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: PM: Churches in Davit Gareji Complex Will Open for Georgian Clergymen Tomorrow