Tbilisi Pushes Russo-Georgian Relationship at WTO Summit

In his address to the Sixth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong on December 15 Georgian Economy Minister Irakli Chogovadze focused on the relationship with Russia, saying that the existence of two illegal checkpoints in breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia is most actual in this relationship. 

?Illegal trade turnover between Russia and Georgia?s separatist regions violates the bilateral agreements reached between the two countries. Moreover, the Georgian government considers such actions as violation of trade rules, that contradicts the key principles of the World Trade Organization. Georgia supports legalization of the checkpoints,? the Georgian Minister said.

Another issue pushed by Georgia concerned provision of legal trade between the two countries on the Kazbegi-Zemo Larsi checkpoint and in the port of Kavkaz. Georgia also demands Russia to fulfill the existing agreements and eradicate the cases of falsification of Georgian wines and mineral waters on the Russian market. 

The Minister said that if Russia meets these demands, it will secure Tbilisi?s consent on membership into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

?Georgia reiterates readiness for a constructive dialogue with the Russian Federation and hopes that Russia?s adequate steps will be followed,? Chogovadze added.

At the summit Georgia supported the accession of Ukraine and Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization.

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