Moscow interested in improving relations with Tbilisi - Russian deputy foreign minister

PRAGUE, February 27. /TASS/. Moscow is interested in improving relations with Tbilisi to an extent that would be comfortable for Georgia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told TASS on Wednesday after talks with Georgian prime minister's special envoy for Russia Zurab Abashidze. Karasin described the meeting as comprehensive and constructive. "We discussed many problems of bilateral relations and noted improvements in several practical spheres, including trade, tourism, air service and humanitarian contacts," he said. "Russia is interested in improving relations with out Georgian neighbors to an extent that they are ready for," Karasin added noting that Moscow is ready "to facilitate developing bilateral relations even in the absence of diplomatic relations." On 26 August 2008 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed decrees on Russia's recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. On 2 September 2008 Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Russia over this. The "Karasin-Abashidze" format established in 2012 is the only direct dialogue channel between the officials of the two countries. Read more