According to Denis Gonchar, director of the fourth department of the CIS countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Russia may decide to resume direct flights with Georgia and start visa liberalization for its citizens.
However, as Gonchar noted in an interview with TASS, flights will be resumed "if the necessary preconditions are established".
"As for the prospects of restoration of direct flights and visa liberalization for Georgian citizens, if the necessary preconditions are established for this - the conditions are known in Tbilisi - we do not rule out making a decision on this issue," said Gonchar.
According to the Russian diplomat, the forecast of economic growth in Georgia has increased to double digits 'thanks to incoming tourism from Russia, remittances, and trade with Russia'.
Up to 15 people from Georgia took part in the forum held on December 7 in Moscow. According to the website of the Russian Strategic Culture Foundation, the Russian-Georgian Relations: 'Prospects for its Development forum' was organized by the CIS Affairs and Eurasian Integration Committee of the Russian State Duma and the Georgian public organization "Solidarity for Peace".
"The parties are sure that it is necessary to regulate diplomatic relations between the two countries. Despite the unfavorable military-political situation, friendly contacts have never stopped, which is evidenced by a significant tourist flow, mutual interest, a large number of kinship ties that connect the citizens of the two countries, and - growing cargo turnover," we read on the foundation's website.
The ban on direct flights between Russia and Georgia entered into force on July 8, 2019. The decision was made by President Vladimir Putin on June 20 after the visit of the communist deputy Sergei Gavrilov to Tbilisi which resulted in Georgians rallying against his visit to Parliament.
