Garibashvili: Georgia intends to improve relations with Russia

Georgia intends to continue the process of mending relations with Russia, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said.

"[The Georgian authorities] will continue in a constructive spirit the difficult process of normalization of ties with Russia," he said, noting the progress in trade and economic ties of the two states."Despite difficulties in the settlement of other [political] problems marring relations with Russia we will continue intensive work in this direction, taking into account Georgia’s state interests," TASS cited Garibashvili as saying.The Georgian prime minister’s special representative for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, told Vestnik Kavkaza that the normalization of contacts with the Russian Federation is conducted in two formats – an international consultation in Geneva [Transcaucasian discussion] and a bilateral dialogue in Prague.Complex issues related to conflict regions will be dealt with in Geneva, and specific issues related to trade and economic ties, transport communications, and some humanitarian issues are discussed in Prague. We are ready to work in these directions if the Russian side has the will and commitment, of course, taking into account the interests of our country," Abashidze confirmed Garibashvili's words."Over the past two years we have taken concrete steps to restore trade ties, particularly exports of Georgian goods to the Russian market. Transport communications and regular flights have been restored, ground transportation is functioning normally. Although there are some technical issues, which we are ddiscussing with Mr. Karasin," the diplomat said.

"[The Georgian authorities] will continue in a constructive spirit the difficult process of normalization of ties with Russia," he said, noting the progress in trade and economic ties of the two states.

"Despite difficulties in the settlement of other [political] problems marring relations with Russia we will continue intensive work in this direction, taking into account Georgia’s state interests," TASS cited Garibashvili as saying.

The Georgian prime minister’s special representative for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, told Vestnik Kavkaza that the normalization of contacts with the Russian Federation is conducted in two formats – an international consultation in Geneva [Transcaucasian discussion] and a bilateral dialogue in Prague.

"Complex issues related to conflict regions will be dealt with in Geneva, and specific issues related to trade and economic ties, transport communications, and some humanitarian issues are discussed in Prague. We are ready to work in these directions if the Russian side has the will and commitment, of course, taking into account the interests of our country," Abashidze confirmed Garibashvili's words.

"Over the past two years we have taken concrete steps to restore trade ties, particularly exports of Georgian goods to the Russian market. Transport communications and regular flights have been restored, ground transportation is functioning normally. Although there are some technical issues, which we are ddiscussing with Mr. Karasin," the diplomat said.

 

The business forum with the participation of Austrian President Heinz Fischer, government officials and leading business executives of the two countries will discuss cooperation in the energy, transport, construction, and agricultural sectors.