MOSCOW, August 10. /TASS/. Unprecedented external pressure from Western nations on Georgia, including ultimatums urging Tbilisi to sever cooperation with Moscow, has proven ineffective, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with TASS.

"I want to underscore that, given the deep historical and geographical ties that connect Russia and Georgia, our nations are natural partners," Galuzin emphasized. "Despite the unprecedented external pressure and ultimatums directed at Tbilisi to cut off cooperation with Russia, these efforts have not succeeded as the West had hoped."

He highlighted that Russia and Georgia’s relationship is rooted in centuries of shared history, culture, and spiritual bonds. "While political differences exist, we are committed to fostering mutually respectful relations with Georgia," Galuzin affirmed.

He also pointed to notable recent progress in areas such as trade and tourism. "Currently, one in four tourists visiting Georgia is from Russia, and our sizable market remains a primary destination for Georgian exports. We welcome this development, as we see it as our responsibility to facilitate the expansion of humanitarian and economic ties - what truly matters to the citizens of both countries.".