The reopening of the only border crossing between Russia and Georgia was a positive sign marking ease of bilateral ties, said Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

"This is a new facility, it creates good new opportunities for direct contacts between people," said Putin when meeting with Georgian opposition leader Nino Burdzhanadze.

"This is the first stage, an act symbolizing the development of Russian-Georgian ties," said Putin as cited by the RIA Novosti news agency.

The Verkhny Lars (Russia) - Kazbegi (Georgia) border crossing was reopened early Monday. The border crossing on the Caucasus mountains had been closed since mid-2006 by Russia as the relations between the two countries got strained.

Russia shut down the Verkhny Lars checkpoint on July 8, 2006 citing reasons for repairs, and announced the completion of repair works last May.

Russia and Georgia agreed to reopen the border crossing last year.