Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that extra-regional players are attempting to drag Georgia into dangerous Russophobic gambits.
According to her, the evolving dynamic between Moscow and Tbilisi is perceived extremely negatively by these forces. Zakharova added that the Georgian side has repeatedly, clearly and succinctly, made it understood that such scenarios are not part of the Georgian people’s plans.
The Russian Foreign Ministry representative noted that Moscow and Tbilisi are bound by the closest of ties, pointing to a shared history and traditions, as well as family connections and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two states. In Zakharova’s view, these factors form a solid foundation for further rapprochement.
“I will simply remind you, because these are figures that simply need to be known: every fourth tourist in Georgia is from Russia. And our capacious market is the primary destination for Georgia’s main export goods. The emerging situation is simply, you know, like a bone in the throat of extra-regional players seeking to drag Georgia into dangerous Russophobic gambits.”
Zakharova added that Moscow is prepared to further develop economic ties with Tbilisi and strengthen friendship between the two peoples. According to her, Russia is committed to maintaining constructive engagement with Georgia, despite attempts by external forces to derail the process.