TBILISI, May 26 (RIA Novosti) - Georgia is ready to begin talks with Russia on opening a border control checkpoint between the two countries, a Georgian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Kazbegi-Verkhny Lars border checkpoint is the only road link between the two countries. It was closed in July 2006 for reconstruction, and although formally reopened earlier this month, the lack of diplomatic ties between Russia and Georgia means it remains for all intents and purposes non-functioning.

"We have received information through the Swiss Embassy on Russia's proposal to begin talks on opening traffic through the border checkpoint, and Georgia has agreed," Shota Gvinieria said at a news briefing. Switzerland represents Russian interests in Georgia and Georgian interests in Russia.

Diplomatic ties were cut between Tbilisi and Moscow after last August's war over South Ossetia, which began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control.