"The relations are extremely difficult," Margvelashvili told reporters after sealing a landslide win at elections on yesterday.
"But we are steadfast that there will be no aggression, no destructive actions from us."
Saakashvili's key ambition of making Georgia a member of NATO and the European Union enraged Russia.
Margvelashvili pledged that furthering Georgia's integration into NATO and the EU remained the main foreign policy priority.
His first foreign trip is expected to be to Lithuania where Georgia is hoping to initial a landmark free trade agreement with the European Union at a summit in late November.
Margvelashvili said while the government of billionaire Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili had managed to "lower the temperature" over the past year the fate of the two territories remains non-negotiable.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
