The Russian and Georgian peoples have “missed each other,” and the lifting of visa restrictions was long-awaited, Russian Foreign Ministry (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with TASS.
“I think this is not the first time you are seeing a Georgian delegation at this venue [the World Youth Festival]. Yes, we do not have official diplomatic relations, but at the same time, our trade, economy, and humanitarian ties are actively developing. Finally—and in this case, I will use the word ‘hallelujah,’ because it was so long-awaited—visa restrictions have been lifted.
And what, in essence, only select groups and delegations from Georgia visiting this forum could afford, can now be afforded by every resident of this country, every citizen,” she noted, answering a question about the significance of the broad international representation at the forum. “We welcome everyone. We truly missed each other. That is the best word: we have missed each other.”
Zakharova added that Georgia, as a travel destination open to Russians, continues to develop. “The way our people are welcomed there, what good service is provided. And I can say the same about Russia. We welcome tourist flows, as well as visitors coming for any other humanitarian, economic, or business purposes, including at the venues of international events,” she explained.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, she spoke with the Georgian delegation, and journalists—”specifically representatives of Georgia”—also asked questions.
“We have never built barriers or placed them in the way of those who came to us in peace. Whether they are representatives of countries with unfriendly regimes or representatives of countries that are our allies—there has never been any segregation,” she pointed out.