Georgia's ambition to join NATO since Western-educated President Mikheil Saakashvili came to power in November 2003 has strained relations with Russia, which is worried by new NATO bases appearing near its borders and possible American interference in post-Soviet developments.
"Georgian and Russian consultations on the subject of Georgia's accession to NATO will possibly start in September. I believe we will see no problems in this area," Irakli Chubinishvili said, adding that Russia had close friendly relations with NATO member countries.
The ambassador said NATO membership was politically important for Georgia, but he played down suggestions that the United States, which previously sent military trainers to the south Caucasus country, could deploy bases in the country.
"As far as I know there will be no American [military] bases in Georgia," the ambassador said.
Chubinishvili added that Russia and Georgia had established friendly relation many centuries ago, but there were some problems, particularly in energy sector.
"We have often heard that Georgia allegedly has been receiving energy [from Russia] at lower prices," he said. "This does not correspond to reality as the country has always purchased energy resources at the market price."
