Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister congratulated Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia on the 81-st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

In particular, it is stated:

"On this solemn day we pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the multinational Soviet people who through incredible efforts crushed Nazism and defended the freedom of their homeland.

I am confident that Russian-Abkhaz relations, forged by the bonds of military brotherhood of those years, will continue to develop in the future as an alliance and strategic partnership. This is the key to maintaining of peace and stability in the region.

Please convey to the Abkhaz veterans and home front workers my words of deep gratitude and wishes for long life, good health, and prosperity."