Maria Zakharova: Last year, the government of Georgia followed a pragmatic line towards Russia - we are aiming for the further normalization of bilateral relations

Last year, the government of Georgia followed a pragmatic line towards Russia, - said the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova.

"In turn, visa regime for short-term travel to Russia for Georgian citizens was cancelled, which was in effect since 2000, and direct flights were restored, which contributed to the expansion of people-to-people contacts and trade-economic ties. We are aiming for the further normalization of bilateral relations, of course, taking into account reciprocal steps from Tbilisi's side," Zakharova said.

Maria Zakharova spoke to the Russian media about the results of the development of relations with the occupied territories of Georgia in 2023.

"We continued to help our Abkhaz and Ossetian friends in building their state, ensuring security, socio-economic development and expanding international relations. In the spirit of a true alliance, the young Transcaucasian republics consistently supported the special military operation. Local volunteers are fighting alongside Russian soldiers, Sokhumi and Tskhinvali regularly send humanitarian aid to Donbas," Zakharova said.