Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is optimistic about bringing relations with Russia back on track, although he is aware that this will prove no simple matter, Russian media reported.

As he told a Tbilisi news conference Monday, December 24, Georgia’s new government will take a constructive stand on normalizing relations with Russia.

Ivanishvili also welcomed Moscow’s recent statements about restoring bilateral trade relations.

President Vladimir Putin said during his news conference last Thursday that Russia cannot change the decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but seeks normalization in relations with Georgia.

Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008.