Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, Russia has expressed its intention to work towards normalizing relations with Georgia. This statement was made by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Galuzin.
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In an interview with the state news agency TASS, Galuzin highlighted that the diplomatic ties between the two nations were severed in 2008, initiated by what he referred to as the “Saakashvili's regime”. He further stated that the potential for restoration is “subject to political demands that contradict the new reality of the region”.
Galuzin was quoted saying, “Despite the absence of diplomatic relations, on our part, we intend to facilitate the normalization of ties with Georgia in the future.”
The Russian diplomat also discussed the positive trajectory of trade and economic interaction between Russia and Georgia.
He stated, “Thanks to the pragmatic line of the Georgian government, the difficult period of relations between our countries, caused by the well-known provocation of Georgian radicals in 2019, has been overcome.”
He further elaborated that the visa regime applicable to short-term visits of Georgian citizens, which had been in place since 2000, was abolished last year and direct air travel was resumed. “These measures were positively received by the Georgian government and the majority of the Georgian population”. He noted that the implementation of the decrees of the President of Russia of May 10, 2023, simplified the conditions for relations between the two nations, contributed to the activation of contacts between business circles, and the development of trade and economic ties.
Galuzin also mentioned that more than 1.4 million guests from Russia visited Georgia last year, providing a quarter of the income of the Georgian tourism sector.
He added, “The Russian-Georgian Business Council under the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established and five sessions have already been held. The frequency and geography of direct flights continue to increase - two Russian and one Georgian airlines operate more than 60 weekly flights between Russian and Georgian cities.”
He also mentioned the last full-fledged meeting between the Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council, Grigory Karasin, and the Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Georgia for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, which took place in November 2021. Since then, they have maintained contact remotely. This includes the smooth functioning of the military road of Georgia - the only operational land artery between the two countries.
It should be noted that Georgia severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation on September 2, 2008. This occurred after the military aggression carried out by Russia in August and the recognition of the “independence” of the occupied regions of Georgia. The Georgian side has stated that the recognition of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia is a condition for the restoration of diplomatic relations.
