Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has made another statement expressing Moscow’s readiness to develop relations with Georgia.
“We are ready to further expand pragmatic ties with Tbilisi. It is obvious that the key to Georgia’s successful development is not confrontation, but cooperation with our country,” the diplomat told Russia’s state-run TASS news agency in an interview.
Galuzin also spoke about the lack of bilateral political contacts between the two countries.
“The reason is that the Georgian side is not ready for such a dialogue. Of course, it is difficult for me to judge to what extent this decision helps Georgia address one problem or another, but this is a decision made by its government,” he said.
A Russian Foreign Ministry official also claimed that “unprecedented external pressure from Western countries on Georgia, along with ultimatums demanding that Tbilisi sever ties with Moscow, has failed to produce results.”
Galuzin described Russia and Georgia as “natural partners,” saying that relations between the two countries are based on “centuries-old historical and cultural ties and a shared spiritual foundation.”
Moscow is also continuing to call for the development of trade and tourism ties with Tbilisi.
“Every fourth tourist in Georgia comes from Russia, while our large market is the main destination for Georgia’s key export products,” Galuzin said.
He said Moscow welcomes this trend and aims to create favorable conditions for further expanding humanitarian and business ties.
