Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening statement during talks with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba, Sukhum, April 19, 2017

Mr Khadjimba,

It is a great pleasure for me to return to Abkhazia. Thank you very much for your traditional hospitality. We actually started work yesterday when we visited the newly opened Russian Embassy complex in Sukhum. It is very well located in the city centre, and provides a very comfortable environment for the staff of the Russian embassy. By opening such a large embassy in Abkhazia Russia emphasised yet again the fact that we are strategic partners and allies.

Today, it is important that we review progress in the implementation of agreements you have reached with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in the circumstances that you just described. Primarily, this has to do with the economy. The Intergovernmental Commission for Socioeconomic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia is proactive in its efforts. It held its regular meeting in November 2016. A Russia-Abkhazia business forum was also held. Our business communities have excellent plans, backed by their respective governments.

You have said that it is important for us to look at outstanding issues, I mean border control and property relations. Russia is committed to supporting your policy aimed at ensuring that every citizen of Abkhazia enjoys equal rights, so that everyone feels safe and in national accord.

Of course, we are also interested in international activity. Russia proactively contributes to the Geneva Discussions, and defends approaches that are unbiased. I strongly believe that this is a very important framework in terms of Abkhazia’s involvement in international affairs.

We have a very packed agenda. Once again, thank you for your hospitality. It is always a great pleasure to be here.