Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, who arrived in Georgia on an official visit yesterday, today visited the Georgian Parliament where he met with Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze.

 Talakvadze, according to a statement released by Sarkissian’s office, welcomed the Armenian president to Georgia, noting that these are very dynamic and interesting times for the two countries, and now is a good moment for the future of our democracies.

"I am confident that Armenia and its people will use this cooperation to develop opportunities, create new perspectives, strengthen democracy and the economy," Talakvadze said.

The Georgian official expressed support for Armenia's progress and development, emphasizing that they are in favor of peace and the settlement of issues through dialogue.

Noting that there are other challenges in the region, including the coronavirus, Talakvadze thanked Sarkissian for Armenia’s cooperation to deal with the coronavirus regionally.

Expressing gratitude for the hospitality he’s received in Georgia, Sarkissian said that the strength of small countries is conditioned by their actions.

 "In this context, countries like Armenia and Georgia should be actively involved in international relations, in relations with friendly or neighboring countries, be they large or small, or superpowers," said Sarkissian. "It is not by chance that I accepted the invitation of the President of Georgia to come and talk about the situation, to exchange information, as well as to talk about the future."

Sarkissian said the economies of both countries have been significantly damaged by the coronavirus.

"We should encourage the implementation of joint programs, as regional joint programs can be much more attractive to international investors,” he said.

Sarkissian noted that the times are full of challenges all over the world, including the two neighboring countries.

"I think it is time for both of us to think about what steps should be taken for the stability, predictability and security of the region," he said.

In the context of security and stability issues in the region, President Sarkissian said it is inadmissible that months after the war against Artsakh broke out, Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian servicemen and civilians captive, violating all norms of international humanitarian law.