The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Daur Kove sent a condolence note to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in connection with the death of Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Russian representative to the UN Security Council, Vitaly Churkin.

The note says, in particular:

"I express my sincere condolences on the death of the outstanding Russian diplomat Vitaly Churkin.

Vitaly Ivanovich was a brilliant diplomat, firmly defending the national interests of Russia, a magnificent orator and polemicist. We in Abkhazia will never forget Vitaly Ivanovich, his bright and bold performance from the high rostrum of the United Nations. Churkin will go down in history of Russian diplomacy as one of its brightest and most talented representatives.

Please convey my condolences to the families and friends of Vitaly Ivanovich."