Georgian PM hopes problems with Russia to be resolved soon
TBILISI. June 25 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has said that tourism restrictions imposed by Russia will harm the Georgian economy to a certain extent, adding that he believes these restrictions are temporary.
"We are a responsible government and our national interests have the upper hand. It is because we feel this responsibility that we won't allow Georgia to fall hostage to the aggressive agenda both in domestic and foreign policy," Bakhtadze told the Imedi TV channel on Monday.
Russia's latest actions "are a challenge," he said.
"I'd like to note that Georgia is one of the safest countries in Europe, while Tbilisi is the safest European capital. Tourists, including Russian tourists, know it very well. In view of this, there are no objective reasons for any restrictions," he said.
Georgia has taken numerous steps in recent years to develop tourism and will even further intensify this work in the future, the prime minister said.
"There is the Abashidze-Karasin format, which focuses on humanitarian and economic relations. Consultations have been held in this format. As regards Georgian wine, we have the highest standards of checking the quality of wine. Therefore, people themselves will respond to some of your complaints about the quality of our wine," Bakhtadze said.
Bakhtadze also said he hopes that today's problems and challenges in relations with Russia will be resolved soon.