Igor Ivanov: Russia Seeks to Improve Relations with Georgia

Secretary of the National Security Council of the Russian Federation Igor Ivanov said on September 29 that ?Russia is interested in improving its relations with Georgia and is ready for bilateral cooperation.?

?By recognition of Georgia?s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Russia expresses a readiness to cooperate with Georgia. [Russian President]Vladimir Putin reiterated this during [Georgian President Mikheil] Saakashvili?s visit to Moscow [on February 10-11],? Igor Ivanov told Interfax on September 29.

He also said that Russia observes all agreements achieved between the two Presidents.   

Speaking about the settlement of the South Ossetian and Abkhazian conflicts, Igor Ivanov stressed that conflict resolution should start through a restoration of trust between the conflicting sides.