MOSCOW, July 27 (RIA Novosti) - Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said he stands for the restoration of diplomatic relations between his country and Russia and hoped to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“My visit [to Russia] has not been planned yet,” he said. “Unfortunately, our relations are not at such level to discuss the visit. Although, everything is done on my behalf for it [for the visit] and it will take place. I hope so.”
Ivanishvili added that certain improvements were achieved in the current Russian-Georgian relations, although certain negative tendencies remain.
“Georgian products entered the Russian market, we are planning regular flights and simplified visa regime, but negative tendencies remain… Misunderstanding will remain in the future, but we must improve our relations with Russia step by step,” Ivanishvili said.
Russia and Georgia severed diplomatic ties after Moscow recognized de-facto independent Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states following a brief military conflict.
Georgia’s new government, elected in the October 1 polls, said normalizing ties with Russia was among its top priorities.
Tensions started to thaw earlier in the year after Russia lifted its import ban on Georgian wine and mineral water.
