SAMARA. Sept 25 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin wants interaction with Georgian civil society to be broadened.

"It would be wrong to leave Georgia to the mercy of nationalists and irresponsible people. Contacts should be maintained with civil society in that country," Putin told the regional leaders of the United Russia party on Thursday.

"Georgia is a country near to us, it is our neighbor, and we are linked with it with bonds of centuries-old ties and contacts. And I think we'll restore relations with Georgia in the future," the prime minister said.

Asked by St.Petersburg lawmaker Vadim Tyulpanov about further relations between sister cities and their importance for strengthening international cooperation, Putin inquired what St.Petersburg's sister city was in Georgia. "Tbilisi, however strange it may be," Tyulpanov replied.

"This is very good, by the way. Sister ties should be developed with Georgian cities, as well," Putin said.