Russia is seriously interested in normalizing relations with Georgia, provided that Tbilisi does not become a “pawn” in actions directed against Moscow, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth Department for CIS Countries at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, told Russian media.
“Russia is seriously aiming to normalize relations with Georgia. The main thing is that Georgia does not become a pawn in anti-Russian games,” Kalugin said, adding that Moscow seeks “stable relations” with Tbilisi.
He described Georgia’s current foreign policy as pragmatic, noting what he called a tendency toward a multi-vector approach. “Tbilisi demonstrates healthy pragmatism and a tendency towards a multi-vector approach in foreign affairs,” Kalugin stated.
Russian official claimed that Georgia’s decision not to join international sanctions against Russia and its refusal to open what he termed a “second front” against Moscow have contributed to closer economic cooperation in recent years.
“Thanks to this, we have achieved a lot in the economic sphere over the past few years. While we do not have diplomatic relations, we maintain active ties that bring tangible benefits,” Kalugin said.
