Russia, Georgia Vow to Boost Economic Ties

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said after talks with his Georgian counterpart, Zurab Zhvania, on May 25th, that the two countries prepared an agreement on economic cooperation.

The Russian news agency, RIA Novosti, reported Mikhail Fradkov as saying that the issues of increasing the electricity supply to Georgia, as well as participation of Russian experts in rehabilitation of the Georgian power facilities, were discussed during the talks with Zurab Zhvania.

“We also discussed the possibility of setting up joint energy ventures, as well as investments in Georgia’s transport and oil businesses,” the Russian Prime Minister said.

“We are sure that Russian investments have a great future in Georgia,” Zurab Zhvania told reporters after his talks with his Russian counterpart.

A group of Russian businesspeople will arrive in Tbilisi to participate in the Georgian-Russian Business Forum on May 27th and 28th.

The Russian Minister for Trade and Economic Development, German Gref, will also participate in the forum.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili called for the Russian businessmen to invest in Georgia, particularly in the Adjarian Autonomy. He also said that Georgia would create a favorable business climate in the country.