Kaladze approves Putin’s wish to improve Georgia-Russia relations

Improving political relations between Georgia and Russia should be done constructively and with open dialogue, says Georgia’s Vice Premiere in response to the Russian President’s wishes to establish a relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Georgia’s Vice-Premier and Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze said Vladimir Putin’s statement was "very interesting” and a constructive approach and dialogue should be prerequisites for improving political relations between the two countries.

"We believe that a country that has occupied territories should focus on dialogue and not on aggressive rhetoric. We need to be constructive. Our strategic partners also encourage us to normalise relationships [with Russia],” Kaladze announced.

He also stressed that "normalizing relations” should happen painlessly.

"Regulating political relationship with a country with whom we do not have diplomatic relations is not easy but consistent steps will be taken to normalise the situation,” Kaladze added.

At a meeting with journalists today, Kaladze said continuing direct flights between Georgia and Russia was a positive step to improve the rift between the two countries. He also spoke on a wider sense about the necessity of cultural connections between countries.

At the Olympic media centre in Sochi, the Russian President said direct flights between Tbilisi and Sochi would continue after the Winter Olympics in Sochi had ended.

Georgian airline company Airzena began direct flights to Sochi from Tbilisi on February 4. Looking ahead, regular flights to Sochi will be carried out twice a week. Airzena also offers daily flights to Moscow, from Tbilisi.