Russia says it seeks “pragmatic” ties with Georgia as trade and tourism grow

Russia has said it aims to build relations with Georgia based on “pragmatism and equality,” while pointing to expanding economic ties between the two countries.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow remains committed to developing cooperation despite what she described as attempts by the European Union to push Tbilisi towards an anti-Russian stance, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“Despite the brazen attempts by EU officials to impose a confrontational course on Tbilisi towards Moscow… Georgia has made a choice in favour of a multi-vector policy,” Zakharova said at a briefing.

She added that Russia seeks to “create all conditions for the development of humanitarian contacts between our peoples,” citing shared historical and cultural ties.

Zakharova also highlighted growing economic links, saying bilateral trade reached $2.7 billion last year, while Russian tourist visits to Georgia totalled around 1.4 million.

She further stated that Russia remains one of Georgia’s key export markets and a major supplier of energy resources and grain.

Georgia and Russia do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, which were severed after the 2008 war, although trade, tourism, and limited contacts have continued to expand in recent years.