Georgia, Tbilisi, April 23 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Georgia wants to improve relations with Russia, but not at the expense of its territories, Georgian Foreign Minister Maya Pandzhikidze in Strasbourg said on Tuesday.
According to her, Georgia has already taken the first steps to normalise relations with Russia and expressed the desire to restore trade and cultural relations.
"Our policy is very clear. We want to improve relations with Russia which is very important for Georgia. However, we will not abandon the basic tenets of our country such as territorial integrity, European integration and NATO membership," the Minister said.
Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia in Georgia on August 8, 2008.
Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military. Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia late in August. Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow in response and has declared the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.