The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia sent a congratulatory note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the recognition of the independence and state sovereignty of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation.

The note says, in particular:

"The people of South Ossetia have come a long and long-suffering way to their independence, but thanks to incredible fortitude, courage and heroism they have overcome with honor all the severe trials that have befallen them. For the Republic of Abkhazia, this date is also filled with profound meaning, since our peoples have walked side by side in the struggle for international recognition of their sovereignty.

The decision of the Russian Federation, adopted on August 26, 2008, became an act of restoring historical justice and a turning point in the modern history of the fraternal states. It laid a solid foundation for the safe, sovereign development and sustainable progress of both the Republic of South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia.

Abkhazia highly appreciates ​​and cherishes the relations based on brotherhood, mutual respect and comprehensive strategic partnership built between our countries. We are convinced that by joint efforts we will continue to dynamically strengthen and to expand fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas, in the name of further prosperity and well-being of the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia."