The question of the possibility of normalization of relations between Russia and Georgia is asked today by many experts on a variety of platforms and not only in Moscow and Tbilisi, but also in Europe, Turkey, Baku and Yerevan. Active discussions suggest that all concerned parties recognize that the situation in which all contacts have been frozen is artificial. The only question is: who is ready to take the first step forward and how will it happen?
The most obvious solution is communication between expert communities, which, however, have not ceased even during the most difficult times in bilateral relations. Therefore, the challenge is to turn them into a permanent dialogue and highlight a range of issues which will not only be discussed by a simple exchange of views but by generating common positions.
In my view, economic and intellectual cooperation could become such issues. At least, these are areas which might lead to a certain understanding between Moscow and Tbilisi, unlike unregulated conflicts and a political dialogue between the leaders of the countries. After all, the Academic Choir of the RSUH has visited Georgia, travel companies offer trips to Georgia, communication between young Russians and Georgians are developing. This means there is something to talk about.
From this point of view, the meeting of Russian and Georgian experts in Istanbul, expected to take place in mid-November, has a lot to offer. In particular, we would like to understand what our Georgian colleagues think about these issues. How likely, in their opinion, are changes in bilateral relations after the victory of the opposition at the parliamentary elections in Georgia? What should be the dynamics of any changes?
Certainly, these and many other questions need to be discussed and concrete decisions should be acted upon them. Perhaps not yet at the level of politics, but it is likely that soon it will be the turn of the state institutions of Russia and Georgia to seek common ground for negotiations.
