Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb.29 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/
The Georgian Foreign Ministry hopes that the Russian people will properly receive the initiative of Mikhail Saakashvili on the introduction of visa-free regime, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Jalagania said before the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili made a unilateral initiative to abolish the visa regime with Russia. "Let all Russian citizens know that they can safely arrive in Georgia, and move on its territory " Saakashvili said on Tuesday during the annual address to parliament.
Saakashvili stressed that it is a step towards improving relations with Russia, in which Georgia is interested. "We are interested in good relations with neighbors. And Russia is our neighbor. However, we are ready to build these relationships, taking into account mutual interests and on equal terms," Saakashvili added.
Saakashvili noted that Georgia gave consent for entry of Russia into the WTO due to the desire to improve relations "Russia hasn't mentioned the interests of the separatists during the negotiations, and it was our little victory," Saakashvili added.
"We had a visa-free regime with Russia earlier, and the establishment of the visa regime was not initiated by Georgia. The Georgian authority separates Russian citizens from the Kremlin's policy, accordingly, we will keep good-neighborly relations with the population of the neighboring country in the future" Jalagania said.
Jalagania noted that the President's initiative is a continuation of policy of the Georgian side, which involves the establishment of good neighborly relations with neighboring states.
Jalagania said Georgia has good relations with all neighboring countries, but based on the policies of the rulers of Russia, they are inferior with its northern neighbor.
"In this regard, it is logical to return to the regime that existed between our countries. Of course, it requires appropriate technical support and training," Jalagania said.
Jalagania added the President's initiative is very relevant and important.