Acting PM highlights “pragmatic” policy on Russia “one of main tools for maintaining peace” in country

Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia’s acting Prime Minister, on Thursday said his Government would have a “pragmatic policy” regarding its relations with Russia.

Addressing the Parliament ahead of a confidence vote in his Government following last month’s general elections, Kobakhidze noted such a policy  was “one of the main tools for maintaining peace” in the country and protecting its “strategic interests”.

He further stressed there were “red lines” related to deoccupation of the country’s Russian-occupied territories.

The policy of non-recognition [of Russian-occupied territories] has been very successful all these years, since 2012. Of course, we will continue to ensure this [policy] and we will have a pragmatic policy when it comes to Georgian-Russian relations. Pragmatic policy is one of the main tools for maintaining peace and protecting the strategic interests of our country”, he said.

“A peaceful resolution of the conflict between Georgia and Russia will, of course, remain one of the top priorities. We have red lines, this is naturally related to the deoccupation of the [Russian-occupied] territories of our country, [and] we have our aspirations, and these red lines will be followed to the end. At the same time we will maintain a pragmatic policy”, Kobakhidze continued.

The Government head also highlighted the importance of further developing friendly relations with the neighbouring states of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.