Interim President of Georgia Nino Burjanadze today left for Moscow to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 25.
Spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovenko said on December 23 while commenting on the visit of the Georgian Interim President to Russia, that Moscow supports restoration of “friendly relations with Georgia” and hopes “Burjanadze’s visit will significantly contribute to it.”
He expressed hope that Georgia would stay a democratic state, which would respect the interests of all the nations living there.
Commenting on the current economic situation in Georgia Yakovenko said Russia considers the cooperation with Georgia in gas and energy spheres as an important factor for further strengthening of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman reiterated Russia’s support to Georgia’s territorial integrity, adding that the problems of mutual relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be settled so that to defend the interests of the peoples living in these breakaway regions.
According to the Georgian officials, Nino Burjanadze will also discuss with the Russian President the issue of Russian military bases in Georgia. Tbilisi demands close down of the Russian bases in Batumi and Akhalkalaki within three years, while Moscow insists on 11 years.