Despite Georgia's position on the issue of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia is ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation, including the restoration of diplomatic relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with "Izvestia".
„We regret that the Georgian leadership continues to link the restoration of diplomatic relations with our position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "But we are ready to continue to develop comprehensively mutually beneficial cooperation with Georgia," Galuzin said, while emphasizing that the decision to recognize the independence of the former Georgian autonomies is not subject to revision.
He noted that there are many opportunities for cooperation: Russia remains a key market for Georgia in many areas, in particular in wine products and fruits.
The diplomat also recalled that Russia, in turn, is the main supplier of energy and grain to Georgia. In addition, the countries are united by a common history, Orthodox faith, cultural, humanitarian and family ties.
“Guided by the understanding of the historically close connection between our countries and peoples, the need to develop comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of both peoples, in recent years the Russian side has taken many significant steps“, said Galuzin.
In particular, the deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry recalled, direct air traffic between the countries was restored and the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens was returned.
“As for diplomatic relations, we are ready to restore them. We are ready to go as far as the Georgian side is ready. "There are no restrictions for us here," the deputy minister concluded.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed after Moscow recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008. Tbilisi does not recognize the sovereignty of these republics, considering them occupied territories.