On March 11, during a cabinet meeting, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the appointment of Giorgi Kajaia, the former head of the Georgian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Russia, as the new Special Envoy for Relations with Russia. 

Grigory Karasin, the Head of Russia’s Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs and a participant in the Georgian-Russian dialogue, expressed confidence that the positive outcomes achieved over the past 11 years with Zurab Abashidze will continue under Giorgi Kajaia. Karasin emphasized Russia's interest in pragmatic dialogue and returning to mutually beneficial cooperation with Georgia.

Karasin highlighted the dialogue format's achievements, including facilitating communication between Russian and Georgian residents, promoting the liberalization of the visa regime for Georgian citizens, and restoring direct air links. He noted that these efforts increased cultural exchanges, strengthened economic ties, and boosted tourism, with over 1.4 million Russian visitors to Georgia in 2023.

Moreover, Karasin emphasized the growth in bilateral trade turnover, surpassing $2.4 billion last year, with Russia becoming the largest market for Georgian agricultural products, including wine. He also highlighted infrastructure improvements, such as the modernization of the Zemo Larsi border crossing point and the construction of a tunnel under the Jvari Pass to enhance transportation.

Karasin pointed out the increased frequency and geography of direct flights between Russia and Georgia, with over 60 weekly flights. Additionally, he underscored efforts in humanitarian issues, such as organizing annual pilgrimages from North Ossetia to ancestral burial grounds in Georgia's Truso Gorge.