Georgian PM: Gov’t wants to continue “pragmatic policy” with Russia to “maintain peace”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said his Government wants to continue its “pragmatic policy” with Russia with the aim of “maintaining peace” in the country.

Kobakhidze was commenting after Giorgi Kajaia was appointed as his Adviser on Relations with Russia on Monday, replacing Zurab Abashidze, who has assumed the position of Adviser.

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We have specific tasks related to economic relations. This refers to the instructions that may have been given [to Kajaia]”, Kobakhidze said.

Abashidze on Monday said more domestic products being exported to countries, including Russia, would benefit Georgia.

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He added while the country was fulfilling obligations related to enforcing the international sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, there were also risks, which required “a lot of attention” because “many” Georgian companies were involved in these trade relations.

The official noted the “most important thing” was that Georgia’s foreign trade was diversified, and noted Russia’s share in general trade turnover was around 11.2 percent.