Former Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili believes that Tbilisi needs time and patience in the process of improving relations with Russia. According to him, Georgia's desire to become the EU and NATO member is perceived by Russia as a threat.
He described the normalization of relations with Russia "a difficult process". "Our foreign policy strategy doesn't contradict to Russia's national interests, but the Russian government considers it dangerous for them," he said.
"We know about it, however, we will continue to make efforts to achieve our goals. We will definitely become a NATO member, we will make efforts to become the EU member, but this requires time. We must continue to develop our economy and wait the point when Russia and the partner countries will see that time has come for Georgia to become a NATO and the EU member," RIA Novosti cited him as saying.
