Batumi problem became of special interest in the Russian foreign policy as a result of the activating of "Eastern Question". This was conditioned by a number of economic, military - strategic and political factors. The "Eastern Question" was the very complex question which would resolve many problems in the foreign policy. In the fight for near East Batumi, situated on the southern-eastern coast was of great importance. Because of its geographic situation it was deemed to be the first-grade port and military-strategic city. Batumi's geographic situation commercial-economic and military-strategic importance interested Russia.

During the Berlin Conference (June 13 - July 13, 1878) while discussing Batumi question, Russia found itself against serious problems. Russian decided to give up Arzrumi and interfere in the war against England, but it was firm in not reversing in the question of Batumi. According to the Berlin Treaty, Batumi was handed to Russia with the Porto-Franco status.