Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba on his birthday.

The congratulations says, in particular:

"You are rightfully considered the patriarch of Abkhazian diplomacy. I remember with warmth our contacts, including the meeting in Moscow on October 4 last year. We discussed the matters of bilateral relations in a substantive and confidential manner, confirmed a high degree of coincidence of approaches to various topics of the international agenda.

I am convinced that the joint efforts of our diplomatic offices will contribute to the comprehensive development of the Russian-Abkhazian alliance and strategic partnership.

I wish you good health, Caucasian longevity, happiness and prosperity."