TBILISI - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul met on Monday with Georgian Foreign Minister Irakli Menagharishvili.
Gul held a joint news conference with Irakli Menagharishvili after talks between the delegations of two countries, and expressed readiness of Turkey to help for solution of problems of Georgia.
Gul said they discussed many issues with Georgian delegation, stressing that the talks took place in a very sincere and friendly atmosphere.
Gul said, ''Turkey attributes importance to Georgia because Georgia is important for stability of Caucasus.'' Gul said Turkey closely covered problems of Georgia.
Gul stressed the importance of solution of Abkhazia and Southern Osetia problems through peaceful ways and within territorial integrity of Georgia. He said solution of those problems was important both for development of Georgia and for regional peace.
Gul said there was no doubt that parliamentary elections that would be held in Georgia on November 2 would take place with the will of people, and that it would be successful.
Foreign Minister Gul said Baku-Ceyhan-Tbilisi pipeline was under construction, recalling that it was foreseen to be completed till the end of 2004. Gul said Shah Sea-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas project was still on the agenda.
When asked about his views on minute of silence observed in Georgian parliament for so-called genocide on Armenians, Gul said this issue was not yet brought onto agenda, but that talks continued.
Menagharishvili in his part said visit of Gul was important for further improvement of bilateral relations.
Menagharishvili said they discussed integration of the two countries to European institutions and stability in southern Caucasia.
Gul is expected to be received by Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze on Monday afternoon and meet with State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze.
GEORGIAN PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE RECEIVES FM GUL
Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze on Monday received Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, currently in Tbilisi on an official visit.
Speaking at the meeting, Shevardnadze said they attribute importance to visit of Gul, and stated that relations between the two countries improved to a great extend in the past 10 years.
Gul conveyed good wishes of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to Shevardnadze and stated that President Sezer said he would be pleased to see Shevardnadze in Turkey.
The meeting was later closed to the press.
Gul also met with Georgian State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze.
Foreign Minister Gul is expected to meet with Minister Without Portfolio Malkhaz Kakabadze in Tbilisi on Tuesday.
Gul will also inaugurate new embassy building of Turkey in Tbilisi.
(AY-AÖ) 15.09.2003