Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has recently declared pursuit of a pragmatic, rational and constructive policy in relations with Russia. Vakhtang Maisaya, a member of the Expert Club of Georgia, said that changes in the bilateral relations had happened to the permissible extent. He clarified that Georgian authorities were not making radical anti-Russian speeches and acts, they were trying to create a positive image of Russia in the humanitarian and economic sectors, increase exports to Russia.
Maisaya reminded that about 18 Tbilisi-Moscow flights had been scheduled, Georgia was allowing Russian citizens to enter it without visas, though Russia has not adopted a visa-free regime for Georgians. The expert added that the Karasin-Abashidze format was one of the main political communication tools created after the Georgian Dream's coming to power. Ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili's ban on Russian TV channels was lifted. Russian and Georgian experts visit each other, attend joint science and analytical meetings.
Petre Mamradze, the head of the Institute for Strategic Management, reminded about establishment of the Karasin-Abashidze format. He noted that their meetings in Prague helped overcome differences in economic, social and cultural relations. The tourism flow from Georgia to Russia increased, the number of lfights grew.
Speaking of obstacles in Russian-Georgian relations, Mamradze said that Russia considered Georgia's membership in the NATO unacceptable. He reminded that Foreign Minister Beruchashvili had declared support of Brussels on the path towards NATO membership. Russia's attitude towards relations between Georgia and the NATO is what has not changed, according to the expert.
