23 Apr 2013 14:37

Georgian envoy satisfied with development of relations with Russia

TBILISI. April 23 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister's Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze has said the return of certain Georgian commodities to the Russian market was a sign of progress.

He said he would meet with Russian State Secretary - Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin in early June to discuss bilateral relations.

Abashidze declared progress in the return of Georgian wine, mineral water and agricultural products to the Russian market in a comment on the Monday telephone conversation with his Russian vis-a-vis.

"Probably, these products will return to the Russian market within months. We also try to ensure smooth the operations of the Kazbegi-Lars route in order to avoid impediments to trade and exports of Georgian products. The Verkhny Lars - Kazbegi checkpoint is working 24/7," Abashidze said.

He recalled his meeting with Karasin on March 1 when Karasin said that Moscow was thinking about ways to relax the visa regime with Georgia.

"They talk about relaxation, not abolition of the visa regime, for a certain category of citizens. Hopefully, we will have a more detailed conversation about the meaning of visa relaxation at the upcoming meeting," Abashidze said.