“We are ready to expand relations with Georgia, but this must be reciprocal,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

In response to a relevant question, she expressed hope that Georgia’s current government, which she described as trying to pursue a “pragmatic policy,” will listen carefully to the voice of its people.

“We are ready to expand relations with Georgia, but this must be mutual. You mentioned a strong demand from Georgian society to resume dialogue and overcome existing disagreements with Russia. We do not intend to interfere in anyone’s internal affairs, including Georgia’s internal affairs. We hope that Georgia’s current authorities, who are trying to pursue a pragmatic policy, will carefully listen to the voice of their people, see real opportunities, and make use of them,” she told journalists.

According to her, Russia aims to develop relations with Georgia based on the principles of good-neighborliness, equality, and mutual respect.

“A lot has been achieved in the areas of trade, transport, tourism, and humanitarian exchanges. Everything is developing. I would like to remind you that important preconditions for this were decisions taken by the President of Russia in 2023 to restore air traffic and lift visa requirements for short-term visits for Georgian citizens, who can now see everything with their own eyes. In order to further promote humanitarian and business ties, in October 2024 the visa-free regime was extended to Georgian citizens who travel to Russia for study, work, and long-term residence. You cannot even imagine the drama that existed before — families were divided between the two countries and could not travel to see each other properly,” said Maria Zakharova.