Russia will welcome all measures by the Georgian government directed at improving ties between the peoples of the two states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, according to RIA Novosti.

"We will welcome all kinds of measures by the Georgian leadership, and we will be ready to respond to any move intended to make communication as comfortable as possible for citizens of our states, who have friendly ties,” Lavrov said.

He mentioned economic and humanitarian ties as areas of possible cooperation.

The minister also expressed hope that “the new Georgian government will be more convenient, more, if you like, acceptable for the Georgian people.”

Georgia broke off diplomatic relations with Russia following the 2008 war over South Ossetia. Tensions, however, have started to thaw in recent months, with Russia recently lifting its import ban on Georgian wine.