Today Armenian Premier Andranik Margaryan met with Head of the Government of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic Levan Varshalomidze, reported the Press Service of the Armenian Government. Having noted the need for restoration of the past close cooperation, the parties said they were satisfied with the activation of regional ties. There is mutual cooperation potential present that needs to be used efficiently, they underscored. The Armenian PM emphasized the mutual benefit of development of tourism, as Ajarian coast of the Black Sea is a close and advantageous resort for Armenian citizens, while it is one of preconditions of economic development of Ajaria. According to parties’ estimates, this was possible owing to efforts of both Georgian and Ajarian authorities.
In his turn A. Margaryan highlighted development of transport communication, especially enhancement of Batumi-Tbilisi-Yerevan rail communication. He noted the need to open air communication to expand further cooperation between Armenia and Ajaria. The Armenian and Ajarian PMs also agreed in the opinion over agriculture, especially prospective cooperation in tobacco production. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to mutually favorable cooperation within the framework of political agreements, adopted by Governments of Armenia and Georgia.
Ajarian PM remarked that after settlement of the known political issues, the central authorities considerably promote development of the port of Batumi. Thereupon he informed his Armenian counterpart on the process of privatization in Ajaria. Armenian capital may occupy its proper place in the Ajarian economy in case of efficient cooperation, he emphasized. He considered encouragement of business cooperation between Armenia and Ajaria, as well as establishment of joint ventures expedient. He cited founding an Armenian-Ajarian medical rehabilitation center in Batumi as an example.
