Russia and Georgia have recently fallen out over a number of issues, including the presence of Russian peacekeepers in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, and Russia's ban on import of Georgian wines and mineral waters, which Georgia says is politically motivated.
"We are hoping for the resumption of meetings at a high political level between the Russian and Georgian presidents," Mikheil Saakashvili said. "There is no alternative to Russia and Georgia's peaceful co-existence; we are destined to live with each other."
He said the two countries should have warm and friendly relations, like those Georgia enjoys with Ukraine, which also had a spat with Russia over natural gas prices in January this year.
"Russia is again gaining strength, flourishing and wants to restore its former glory," Saakashvili said. "Russia will not become a great power if it holds Georgia or Moldova under its thumb. Everyone would benefit if it [Russia] would have us as friends."
