Georgian authorities are ready to restore railway links with Russia as part of the "Abkhazia reintegration strategy," said the new Minister for the Reintegration of Georgia, Paata Zakareishvili, in an interview published by "Kommersant" on Friday.

"Restoration of the railway would help refugees return home and the solve many problems in general. Especially since the development of transport ties will contribute to the economic development of Abkhazia," Zakareishvili said.

According to him, in the past, when Abkhazia experienced periods of economic recovery, the number of returning refugees increased.

"The more economic projects carried out in Abkhazia with Georgian participation, the more chance of resolving the conflict. This approach is part of our strategy to reintegrate Abkhazia," he said.

At the same time, Zakareishvili stressed that it was inconceivable that Abkhazia's economic and transportation systems be tied only to Russia.

"If we open travel in our direction, then Abkhazia will have an alternative. This railway will benefit all: Russia, Georgia, and Armenia. And in the role of our country as a transport artery, and its geopolitical significance will increase: goods will go not only be carried east to west, but also north to south," Minister Zakareishvili said.

In addition, the Minister expressed his opinion that "it is not necessary to put things in writing and no links need to be made."

"My belief is that we must help to restore traffic through Abkhazia. Both rail and road traffic. And we must avoid politically motivations and consider the issue solely from an economic standpoint," he added.

On Thursday the Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, created the new position of 'special representative of the PM on relations with Russia.' According to the special representative, relations with Russia are the main subject of Georgian foreign policy.