Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated Oleg Bartsyts on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The congratulation reads, in part:

"I am confident that your rich professional experience, including that accumulated during your tenure as Abkhazia's trade representative in Moscow, will allow you to successfully work in your new position to further comprehensively develop Russian-Abkhazian allied relations and promote the Republic's interests in the international arena.

I am committed to a constructive, friendly dialogue on all issues of bilateral and foreign policy agenda that are relevant to our countries.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit Russia on a working visit."

Sergey Lavrov wished Oleg Bartsyts good health and success in carrying out his challenging task.