Tbilisi has made a firm choice in favor of restoring the country's sovereignty, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing.

“We understand Tbilisi’s efforts to put an end to external dictates and to cooperate with foreign partners on the basis of equality and mutual respect. We are ready to deepen Russia-Georgia ties, which are one of the key factors behind Georgia’s economic growth. We are doing this with a pure heart and in complete sincerity,” Zakharova stated.

According to her, Moscow is “ready to expand cooperation with Tbilisi based on the principle of mutual respect.”

“Tbilisi has made a firm and conscious choice in favor of restoring sovereignty to the country, ensuring the interests of the Georgian people, and, I would add, upholding the dignity of both the country and its people,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted.