In terms of diplomatic relations we are very clear that we will not compromise because the occupation is an issue in our relationship, said Levan Davitashvili, Vice Premier of Georgia and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, at a press briefing.
He said that the Georgian Government is consistent in its integration with the European Union as well as in its economic policy decisions.
“As to what has changed, in 2008 Georgia had a war on a grand scale with Russia. Russian occupation. In the political aspect, it’s difficult to imagine a situation that is different today. It’s been this way for us since 2008 and not since 2019. We understand that we are uncompromising in the diplomatic and political spheres, because occupation is a major problem in our relationship. As for the commercial sphere, we are consistent, and have said so more than once”, stated the Vice Premier.
He said that the government managed to organize tourist flows quickly from new markets during the post-pandemic phase, but that it was important to “restore tourist flows from traditional market, for example such as the Russian Federation, and also Azerbaijan.”
According to him it would be unpragmatic for Russia to refuse direct flights to Georgia.
“We also expect a 300–400 million dollar effect in the tourism sector which we can call the “effect of flight”. Davitashvili stated that the Russian Federation’s tourism revenue in 2019 was around 1 billion dollars.
Davitashvili’s response to the question of why Russian President Vladimir Putin restored direct flights to Georgia is as follows:
“Let’s discuss our decisions, our motivations.” I won’t go into Putins motivations. How can I tell now? “This will be a frivolous conversation on my part.”
The Minister also spoke about the question of European integration. He stated that the main goal of the Georgian Government is to join the European Union and that work in this area “is done very, very professionally and with great dedication”.
He said that the Government team is hopeful that the efforts that the country has made over the years will get evaluated fairly and accurately.
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