Georgian FM says opening Russian trade representation not on agenda

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said in response to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that the Georgian legislation does not consider having trade representations of foreign countries. 

Lavrov stated earlier today that  the Russian government is ready to discuss the opening of a trade representation in Georgia if Tbilisi makes such an offer. 

We consider that discussions about the trade and economic issues should continue in so-called Abashidze-Karasin format, where certain significant results have been already achieved in this direction”, Zalkaliani said.

He added as well that the potential of the Georgian and Russian interest sections of the Swiss embassy in Tbilisi and Moscow can also be used if necessary.

Russia occupies  20 per cent of Georgian territory. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Zalkaliani also responded to Lavrov’s statement on Moscow’s readiness to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia.

He said,  diplomatic ties - which have been suspended after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008 when Moscow recognised independence of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions - will not be restored until Russia de-occupies Georgia.