Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on May 10 responded to the Russian Government’s decision to lift its ban on flights with Georgia and visa requirements for citizens of the country by saying that sanctioned airlines and ships would not be able to operate in Georgia, while unsanctioned ones would have an opportunity to perform direct flights.
Kvrivishvili said by air traffic between Georgia and Russia it would be “easier” for “up to a million citizens” of Georgia living in Russia to have a connection with their homeland – Georgia, their families, emphasising that “taking care of Georgians and their well-being” was the “main priority” for the country’s Government.
“It is important to “once again” remind the public that the unilateral visa regime with Russia has been in effect since 2010, and in 2019, the latter unilaterally decided to ban direct flights with Georgia,” Kvrivishvili said.
She explained that establishing air traffic would have a “significant impact” on the travel expenses of Georgians living in Russia and pointed out that Georgia did not limit land traffic with the country as “hundreds of cars have been crossing” the Russian-Georgian border.
The Deputy Minister added that many countries, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia had direct flights from Russia. (Agenda/Business World Magazine)