Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze Advocates for Selling Georgian Products in Russian Market and Restoration of Direct Flights
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
In a recent statement, the mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, expressed his support for the sale of Georgian products on the Russian market, highlighting the positive impact it has on the population of Georgia. The remarks came amidst discussions about business relations and the restoration of direct flights between the two countries.
Kaladze emphasized the welcoming attitude of Georgia towards business ventures and the significant role that tourism plays in boosting the local economy. "We have said many times that we welcome business. Also, the more tourists come to Georgia, the more money they will spend. With this, the population will feel well-being," said Kaladze.
The mayor defended the sale of Georgian products on the Russian market, stating that it benefits the country's farmers and poses no ethical concerns.
"We welcome the fact that products made in Georgia are sold on the Russian market. The population of our country, the farmers, benefits from this, and there is nothing wrong with the fact that the product created by them will be sold on the Russian market," Kaladze explained.
Regarding the restoration of direct flights between Georgia and Russia, Kaladze dismissed concerns, arguing that if people can travel through other countries to reach Georgia, there should be no issue with direct flights. He also criticized the opposition to such flights, particularly those who had previously supported public relations and cultural events with Russia shortly after the 2008 war.
"This is protested by those who, after the war of 2008, when we lost territories, made the population of our country miserable, killed civilians, our hero soldiers, lost villages, sent invitation letters on the third or fourth day to restore public relations and hold some concerts," said Kaladze.
