Russia and Georgia Plan to Resume Talks on Border Opening in February

The Georgian authorities plan to resume negotiations with Russia in February regarding the opening of the border for tourists, which was closed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was announced by Zurab Abashidze, the special representative of the Prime Minister of Georgia for relations with Russia, as reported by Izvestia.

The only land border crossing between the two countries, Kazbegi - Verkhny Lars, has been closed for tourists since March of last year due to coronavirus. The restrictions do not apply to citizens of both countries who wish to return to their homeland. The restrictions also do not pertain to freight transporters. However, tourist travel in both directions remains prohibited.

Abashidze expressed his opinion that if the epidemiological situation is favorable, the restrictions will be lifted. The Russian Foreign Ministry has clarified that the issue of lifting restrictions on crossing the border with Georgia is