Russian FM Sergey Lavrov says that the Russian government is ready to discuss the opening of a trade representation in Georgia if Tbilisi makes such an offer.
During a video conference with members of Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund earlier today Lavrov also said that Russia is ready to discuss the restoration of diplomatic relations with Georgia as ‘we did not initiate the suspension of the relations.’
If we had an embassy the settling of economic, trade or culture issues (with Georgia) would be easier,” he said.
Lavrov expressed hope that direct flights between the two countries, which Moscow suspended last year,will be resumed soon.
We hope that anti-Russian attitudes will not increase in Georgia,” Lavrov said, adding that they were ‘forced’ to temporarily suspend the flights as the Georgian government failed to ensure the safety of its MPs in Tbilisiduring an international conference in June 2019.
To note, Russia and Georgia suspended diplomatic relations after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
Russia occupies 20 per cent of Georgian territory.
