Resurrection of Georgia-Russia flights possible

Regular flights between Georgia and Russia are one step closer to reality.

Talks about resuming flights between the two nations could take place in the near future, said Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The news was announced today following a meeting between Georgia’s special envoy Zurab Abashidze and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin in Prague yesterday.

The Russian statement said the meeting helped advance the two countries’ bilateral relationship. It was noted Georgia’s participation in the Sochi Olympic Games positively impacted the atmosphere of the dialogue.

"After the return of Georgian wine, mineral waters and agricultural products to the Russian market, growth in the turnover of the goods can be detected. The road traffic has been renewed and the Upper Lars checkpoint has moved to a 24-hour working regime,” read the statement.

"The resumption of regular flights has been discussed and the sides agreed to hold another round of consultations between aviation officials in the near future.”

In addition, the Russian MFA said the renewed communication between custom services and trade-commerce chambers had been evaluated positively.

"The importance of increasing cultural, sporting, scientific, religious and other types of activities from both countries was stressed. This was facilitated by the increased number of issued visas to Georgian citizens. In 2013 approximately 25000 were issued.”

The statement also noted discussions had taken place about possible future bilateral projects in the energy and transport sectors.

Both parties have agreed to hold the next round of negotiations in July this year.