Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania Thursday said the priority of Georgia's foreign policy is to normalize relations with Russia, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

"All Georgian citizens, from villagers to top politicians are interested in establishing good neighborly and friendly relations with Russia," Zhvania said.

The prime minister expressed the willingness of Georgia "to resolve the problems blocking the establishment of such relations," saying the Georgian authorities "are ready for reasonable compromises, and are hoping for same steps by the Russian side, while taking into account the interests of both countries."

Zhvania said Tbilisi calls for developing cooperation with Russia in the spheres of border protection and fight against terrorism, adding that "Georgia is going to set up a Georgian-Russian anti-terrorist center on its territory."

Georgia and Russia have different approaches regarding the settlement of the smoldering conflicts -- in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, according to the official. But "it is impossible to establish peace and stability in the Caucasus without normalizing the Georgian-Russian relations and settling these conflicts," he added.

Source: Agencies