Lavrov warns Georgia’s EU bid may put its trade ties with Russia at risk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that relations and trade ties with Georgia could come into question if Tbilisi decides to join the European Union (EU).

He said the current Georgian leadership are pragmatists; they confirm their course toward the European Union, but understand that then they will have to cease being a country known for its agricultural products, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Lavrov made it clear that around 70% of Georgia’s trade is with Russia and CIS countries, with significant shares also linked to China and other countries.

The Russian foreign minister stressed that EU membership implies joining sanctions against Russia and aligning with the European Commission’s foreign policy, which, he said, casts serious doubt on current bilateral ties.

He further noted that relations between the two countries are maintained and that Russian tourists regularly visit Georgia.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov