Domestic

Home page

Domestic

Foundation of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be laid soon, Turkish and Georgian Prime Ministers say

14 November 2007 16:06 (UTC +04:00)

APA Turkey bureau reports that the ministers had one-on-one meeting. Later the meeting continued with presence of the delegations. Following the meeting Prime Ministers held a press conference.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they discussed both bilateral relations and regional and international issues. He stated that Turkey supports Georgiaâ€™s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
â€œWe want Abkhazia and South Ossetia conflicts to be solved peacefully. We were satisfied with the adoption of the law that will ensure repatriation of Ahiska Turks. Within its power Turkey will assist Georgia in the process of repatriation of Ahiska Turks and support pilot projects for the development of the region. We believe that a new friendship and cooperation bridge will be established between our countries with repatriation of Ahiska Turks to Georgia,â€ he said.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said following Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum projects Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project is about to come to reality.
â€œThe main work for the implementation of the project has been done. We have already completed work on the Georgian part of the project. Preparations are made for the Turkish-part tender. We want the foundation-laying ceremony to be held soon. Georgia says they are ready for it. We want Azerbaijan, as well as Georgia and Turkey to be together in the foundation-laying ceremony. This will be convenient railway. It will not only serve to loads, but also passengers. We agreed on starting constructions without delay,â€ he said.
Nogaideli started his speech expressing his condolences to Turkish nation on 4 Turkish soldiersâ€™ becoming martyrs in fighting against terrorists yesterday.
â€œI assure you that Georgia always supports Turkey in fighting against terrorism. We are also ready to do our best,â€ he said.
He stated that Turkeyâ€™s support was important for the solution of the conflicts in the region.
Nogaideli said that project of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was about to come to reality, they have reached foundation-laying stage and construction will soon start.
Nogaideli stressing that Turkey is the first trade partner of Georgia said that they take important steps for further development of relations. /APA/