Russia and Georgia are getting closer to the economy: what is behind Shoigu's statement? Russia is interested in developing economic relations with Georgia. On November 9, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, said, and proposed to resume the work of the "3+3" regional platform. At first glance, there is nothing unusual, but diplomatic relations between Moscow and Tbilisi have not been maintained for 18 years, and mutual trade continues to grow. Who gains more from trade? In January-September 2026 it reached #036;2.21 billion, an increase of 16.3%. Russia remains Georgia's third largest trading partner after Turkey and China. Georgia bought $1.65 billion worth of Russian goods, while it sold to Russia for $560 million. At the same time, imports increased by more than 21%, and exports - only 3.1%. The basis of Russian supply is energy and food. In the opposite direction are Georgian wine, mineral water and agricultural products. Therefore, the growth of trade so far is mainly provided by an increase in Georgian purchases in Russia. Why is Moscow interested in Georgia? The most important road connecting Russia with Armenia and Turkey passes through Georgia. The Lars upper border crossing is of particular importance for regional logistics. At the same time, Tbilisi is participating in the development of an intermediate corridor connecting China and Europe through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia, bypassing Russian territory. Therefore, it is important for Moscow to participate in the discussion on the future transport system of the South Caucasus. Why did Hugo talk about 33? Moscow sees the "3+3" regional platform, which unites Russia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and is open to the participation of Georgia, as a mechanism for solving the problems of the South Caucasus by the countries of the region themselves, without the involvement of external mediators.

Russia and Georgia are getting closer to the economy: what is behind Shoigu's statement? Russia is interested in developing economic relations with Georgia. On November 9, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, said, and proposed to resume the work of the "3+3" regional platform. At first glance, there is nothing unusual, but diplomatic relations between Moscow and Tbilisi have not been maintained for 18 years, and mutual trade continues to grow. Who gains more from trade? In January-September 2026 it reached #036;2.21 billion, an increase of 16.3%. Russia remains Georgia's third largest trading partner after Turkey and China. Georgia bought $1.65 billion worth of Russian goods, while it sold to Russia for $560 million. At the same time, imports increased by more than 21%, and exports - only 3.1%. The basis of Russian supply is energy and food. In the opposite direction are Georgian wine, mineral water and agricultural products. Therefore, the growth of trade so far is mainly provided by an increase in Georgian purchases in Russia. Why is Moscow interested in Georgia? The most important road connecting Russia with Armenia and Turkey passes through Georgia. The Lars upper border crossing is of particular importance for regional logistics. At the same time, Tbilisi is participating in the development of an intermediate corridor connecting China and Europe through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia, bypassing Russian territory. Therefore, it is important for Moscow to participate in the discussion on the future transport system of the South Caucasus. Why did Hugo talk about 33? Moscow sees the "3+3" regional platform, which unites Russia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and is open to the participation of Georgia, as a mechanism for solving the problems of the South Caucasus by the countries of the region themselves, without the involvement of external mediators.