The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia sadly announces that Igor Muratovich Akhba, a prominent statesman and diplomat of the Republic of Abkhazia and the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Russian Federation passed away in Sukhum on August 18 at the age of 76 after a long and serious illness.

Igor Muratovich was born on February 5, 1949 in Sukhum. He received a law degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University and completed his postgraduate studies at the Institute of State and Law of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

From the beginning of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia in 1992–1993, Igor Muratovich established and headed the operational headquarters for providing of comprehensive assistance to the Republic of Abkhazia. 

In 2004, he headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia. 

A special chapter of his diplomatic career was devoted to Russian-Abkhaz relations. On November 14, 2008, Igor Muratovich was appointed the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Russian Federation. He held this post for over thirteen years, making a significant contribution to the development of interstate cooperation and strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries.

In December 2021, Igor Muratovich was appointed Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia for Eurasian Integration.

For his services to the Republic of Abkhazia, Igor Muratovich Akhba was awarded the Order of Akhdz-Apsha, 2-nd and 3-rd degree, and the honorary title of "Honored Worker of the Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Abkhazia." For his contribution to the development of international cooperation, he was awarded the badge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation "For Contribution to International Cooperation."

Igor Muratovich's professionalism, long-standing diplomatic experience, and deep commitment to serving his country have earned him the well-deserved respect of his colleagues and all who knew him. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia expresses its sincere condolences to Igor Muratovich's family and friends.