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The head of state confirmed his intention to achieve a settlement in Russian-Georgian relations, a country with which Russia has long history of neighbourly and friendly ties.

Vladimir Putin noted that, unfortunately, over the past few years Russia and Georgia have been faced with certain problems. Along with this, last year an agreement was concluded with the President of Georgia about the steps designed to normalise bilateral relations. The first significant step amounted to concluding an agreement in December 2006 about delivering Russian gas to Georgia based on market principles. Both parties incurred obligations and Russia is fulfilling hers, the President emphasised.

Vladimir Putin noted that a great deal of work remains to be done to restore Russian-Georgian relations and that the schedule will be intense. The President also stressed that Russia’s role in settling the conflicts on the territory of the former Soviet Union is increasing, which remains to be one of the most important priorities of Russian diplomacy.

Viacheslav Kovalenko was appointed Russian ambassador to Georgia in July 2006. In September he was recalled to Moscow for consultations and is now returning to Tbilisi.