Russia-Georgia relations improving

Russia and Georgia have already repaired relations to some extent. The two countries are now prepared for a visa-free relationship between the two countries. Russia would like to go further and restore full diplomatic relations.

Anyone visiting Georgia from Russia for less than 90 days will be able to enter without a visa. Aleksandr Lukashevich of the Russian Foreign Ministry said:"We also suggest restoring diplomatic ties between our countries,"

However, President Saakashvili of Georgia said that diplomatic relations could be repaired only when Russia withdrew recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is quite unlikely to happen.

In August 2008 Georgia tried to reassert control over South Ossetia and Russia came to the defence of the enclave. Subsequently Russia recognised both South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent countries even though few other countries have followed suit. Switzerland represents Georgian interests in Russia at present. In spite of the lack of full diplomatic relations it would seem that there is some thawing of the tension between Georgia and Russia. No doubt commercial interests will cheer the thaw and it will also will encourage more tourist visits between the two countries. For more see this article.