August 26 marked the 15th anniversary of the recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state by the Russian Federation. The corresponding decree was signed on August 26, 2008 by the President of the Russian Federation D.A. Medvedev.

During this period, a solid legal base has been established between our states, the basis of which was the Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation.

Over the past time, relations between Sukhum and Moscow, based on the good traditions of friendship and mutual respect, have reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance. Substantial interstate political dialogue and constructive cooperation in trade, economic, humanitarian and other spheres are expanding. The achieved level allows to effectively solve topical issues on the agenda of Abkhazian-Russian relations. 

This, of course, meets the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples, and also goes, among other things, in the direction of strengthening security and stability in the region. We are confident that by joint efforts we will continue to ensure the further development of bilateral relations, consistently strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation on the entire range of issues of mutual interest, for the benefit of our peoples.