Georgia cannot discuss restoring diplomatic ties with Russia while its territories are occupied, says Foreign Minister

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said Georgia cannot consider restoring diplomatic relations with Russia as long as two of its regions remain under Russian occupation.

Botchorishvili’s remarks came in response to recent comments by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, who expressed Moscow's readiness to reestablish ties with Tbilisi.

“Georgia has two regions that are occupied by Russia, and under these conditions, it is impossible for us to discuss the restoration of diplomatic relations”, the Minister said.

She further commented on how such statements from Russian officials were often utilised by the Georgian opposition to generate political narratives in the absence of a current agenda.

“We periodically hear statements made by representatives of the Russian Government regarding Georgia. Everyone knows what stands in the way of Georgia-Russia diplomatic relations. This is the occupation of our territories. This remains the number one obstacle to normalizing relations with Russia. Under the conditions of occupation, it is impossible to talk about the restoration of diplomatic relations or the normalization of relations”, she concluded.