Russia ready to expand relations with Georgia, hopes Tbilisi sees opportunities — MFA

Lead

Russia is ready to further expand relations with Georgia and hopes Tbilisi will recognize the opportunities for cooperation, according to statements made by senior Russian officials at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed Moscow's support for reopening transportation and economic links across the South Caucasus, while Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized Russia's commitment to building ties with Georgia on the basis of good-neighborliness and mutual respect.

Coverage Comparison

The statements were reported by TASS, the Russian state news agency, which quoted both officials directly. Galuzin's remarks came during a session titled "3+3 Platform: Common Challenges and Strategic Partnership," while Zakharova spoke at a news briefing on the sidelines of the forum. The coverage highlighted Russia's perspective on regional connectivity and bilateral relations with Georgia, with a generally positive tone regarding Moscow's initiatives.

Key Claims

Galuzin, speaking at the forum, said that Russia backs the reopening of transportation and economic links across the South Caucasus. He argued that ensuring the participation of all countries in the region is crucial for transit capacity, stating that without opening Armenia's borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as Georgia's borders with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, full-fledged transport connectivity would be difficult to achieve. "The sooner it happens, the more opportunities will emerge in the field of logistics for all regional players," he said.

Galuzin also stressed that successful cooperation must be based on inclusivity and equal access to projects for all participants. He expressed hope that the 3+3 expert platform would integrate various ideas "without leaving anything out or creating what might be called exclusive special-interest groups." He called on experts to consider unblocking ties within the region and to suggest areas of cooperation in energy, telecommunications, IT, culture, sports, and humanitarian ties.

Zakharova, during her briefing, said Russia strives to build relations with Georgia based on good-neighborliness, equality, and mutual respect. "This must be a two-way street," she emphasized, expressing hope that Tbilisi would listen to the voice of the Georgian people and seize the opportunities in developing bilateral relations. She pointed to progress in trade, transportation, tourism, and humanitarian exchanges, calling the growth in ties a "wonderful trend."

Zakharova reminded that in 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to resume air travel and waive visas for short-term visits by Georgian citizens. She further noted that in October 2024, the visa-free regime was extended to Georgian citizens coming to Russia for study, work, and long-term residence, helping to reunite separated families. "We are ready, I repeat, to further expand relations with Georgia, but it must be a two-way street," she said.