Georgia is strengthening its communication channels with Russia on trade, economic and humanitarian issues, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said.

He was commenting on the appointment of Giorgi Zurabashvili as Georgia’s special representative for relations with Russia, according to Sputnik Georgia.

“We are working in various areas, including trade and economic issues, as well as humanitarian matters. Giorgi Zurabashvili has already started his work very effectively. The state is working, and these efforts will deliver concrete practical results,” Kobakhidze said.

However, the Georgian prime minister ruled out the start of negotiations to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.