The President of Georgia urged to toughen relations with the Russian Federation against the backdrop of Moscow's decision on flights and visa-free travel

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called on the authorities to convene the Security Council to discuss the visa regime for Russians who come and stay in Georgia, as well as to consider the introduction of three-month visas.

“Russia's cancellation of the visa regime for Georgia will cause political tension in the republic. I believe that it is necessary to introduce restrictions on certain professions and licenses for foreigners. New relations with the Russian Federation will complicate relations with Georgia's partners,” said Zurabishvili, whose powers as president are inferior to those of the government and the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Meanwhile, the government of Georgia announced that the country would allow direct flights of Russian airlines not subject to sanctions. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation earlier announced that Russian airlines are preparing to resume flights to Georgia, it is planned to operate 7 direct flights from Moscow to Tbilisi and back every week.

Today, the President of the Russian Federation ordered to resume flights with Georgia, which had been absent since 2019, and also to introduce a visa-free regime between the countries. From May 15, citizens of Georgia will be able to enter the territory of the Russian Federation through border checkpoints in a visa-free regime for up to 90 days out of every 180 days for diplomatic, service, private, business, tourism, humanitarian purposes, as well as for short-term training.