Moscow, 29 December: Russia intends to work actively with Georgia despite its political differences with Tbilisi and Georgia's withdrawal from the CIS, Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov has said.

"In any case, we will not lose touch, and we will work together," Denisov said today at a press conference in the Interfax central office.

"Nothing will ever be able to destroy the extremely close, I would say kindred relations between Russia and Georgia, whatever political twists there may be," he added.

Denisov recalled that Georgia had announced its decision to leave the CIS in August, and that the decision would enter force on 18 August 2009.

"It will not have a big effect on the functioning of the CIS mechanism itself," Denisov said, noting that in recent years, Georgia's participation in the work of the CIS had been only perfunctory.

"One way or the other, the CIS will move forward," he said.

Denisov explained that Georgia had announced its willingness to abide by the agreements within the CIS framework which served its interests.

"From our side, this is being met most positively," he added.