Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

Tbilisi welcomes all steps toward the normalization of relations with Russia, provided that Georgia's strategic interests are protected, Georgian foreign minister Maia Panjikidze said in a press conference on December 23.

"With regard to the Russian president's statement on visa regime, we welcome all steps that will contribute to the normalization of relations, although all should be clear that this will not happen at the expense of strategic interests and territorial integrity of Georgia," she said.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin recently said Moscow could restore visa-free regime with Georgia, the issue should be discussed at the expert level.

Panjikidze reminded that Georgia has already abolished visa regime with Russia.

"If the Russian side also abolishes visa regime, it will be the answer to our step. It would be good if Russia, as well as Georgia, will undertake not to use force," the Georgian minister said.

Panjikidze recently stated that restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia is not possible as long as 20 percent of Georgia's territories remain occupied by this country.

Russia introduced a visa regime with Georgia in December 2000, stating about the threat of intrusion into its territory of terrorists from the Pankisi Gorge. Georgia abolished the visa regime for Russian citizens visiting the country on February 29, 2012.

Tbilisi broke off relations with Moscow in August 2008 when Moscow crushed a Georgian assault to reassert control over two rebel regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- and later recognized the regions. Georgia announced the two unrecognized republics as occupied territories in September 2008.

Panjikidze futher noted that she considers 2013 as being one of the most successful years for the country's foreign policy.

"Georgian foreign policy efforts were aimed at achieving the main goal both with regard to individual countries and in the international format. This is the provision of international involvement in the strengthening of Georgia's territorial integrity, achievement of concrete results in achieving the European and Euro-Atlantic goals, deepening of the strategic partnership with the U.S. and the relationship with the partner and neighbouring countries, as well as de-escalation of relations with Russia with full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country," she said.

Panjikidze told journalists that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili will pay an official visit to the U.S. in the first six months of 2014.

However, the foreign minister didn't specify the exact date of the visit and said that the Georgian Foreign Ministry will be informed about the details soon.

"Many high level visits of officials to Georgia are expected next year," Panjikidze said.
"Details of the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Tbilisi will be known in the near future."

Panjikidze said Georgian prime minister will visit Israel in late January 2014 and the issue of free trade with this country will be discussed during his visit.

"We have special relations with Israel. Georgia's prime minister will visit Israel in late January. Free trade relations will be discussed during this visit and the meeting of the economic commission scheduled for January will be the first step in this sphere," the minister said.