Georgia and Russia reopened their only border crossing on Monday for the first time since a brief armed conflict between the two countries in August 2008.

The checkpoint at Verkhny Lars, the only link that does not go through the separatist Georgian provinces of Abkhazia or South Ossetia, was closed in 2006 amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

After the 2008 war, both provinces have declared independence, and Russia has recognized the states and stationed thousands of soldiers in the area.

The deputy head of the regional police, Giorgi Gegechkori, said the opening of the border was a step toward better relations with Russia.

"It's a small step in that direction, but what really needs to happen is for Russia to end its occupation of Georgian territory," he told the AFP news agency.

Though the border has reopened, diplomatic ties between Moscow and Tbilisi remain strained. Switzerland represents both countries for bilateral diplomatic relations.

Air traffic between the two countries remains limited. Only a few charter flights made the trip in January, and there are no immediate plans for a renewed air link.

cmk/AFP/dpa
Editor: Andreas Illmer