Georgian FM: Diplomatic ties cannot be restored with Russia under occupation

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili responded to comments made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin regarding the potential restoration of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia.

Botchorishvili emphasized that restoring or normalizing diplomatic ties is impossible while parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation.

“Everyone is well aware of what stands between Georgia and Russia in terms of diplomatic relations — it is the occupation of our territories. This is the number one obstacle to normalizing relations with Russia,” she stated.

She also criticized how such statements from Russian officials are used by opposition parties in Georgia.

“There is another issue here — how these kinds of statements are used within Georgia. It seems they are utilized to breathe new life into opposition forces, giving them an opportunity to generate topics in the absence of a real agenda,” Botchorishvili noted.

She concluded by reiterating that Georgia cannot engage in diplomatic dialogue with Russia while the occupation of its two regions continues.