The peoples of Russia and Georgia have missed each other – Maria Zakharova

The peoples of Russia and Georgia have "missed" one another, and the lifting of visa restrictions was a long-awaited development, stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in an interview with TASS.

"I think this is not the first time you have seen the Georgian delegation at this platform [the World Youth Festival]. Yes, we do not have official diplomatic relations, yet trade, the economy, and the humanitarian sphere are actively developing. Finally—and here I will use the word 'Hallelujah,' because this was so long-awaited—visa restrictions have been lifted," Zakharova said.

According to her, what was previously possible only for select groups and delegations of people living in Georgia is now accessible to every citizen of the country.

"We are waiting for everyone. We have truly missed you. That is the best word: we have missed each other," noted the Russian Foreign Ministry representative.

Zakharova stated that Georgia is developing into an open destination for Russian tourists. "How well our citizens are received there, and what excellent service is provided. I can say the same regarding Russia. We anticipate both tourist flows and arrivals for other humanitarian, economic, and business purposes, including in the context of international events," she stated.

The diplomat mentioned that she had spoken with members of the Georgian delegation, including journalists who had asked her questions.

"We have never created barriers or obstacles for those coming to us in peace. Whether they were representatives of countries with unfriendly regimes or representatives of our allied nations—there has never been any form of segregation," Zakharova declared.