1. Sergei Mironovich, what is the main task facing the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry today? What place does cooperation with the Russian Federation play here?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs faces very important tasks. This is the protection and upholding of our national interests in the international arena, work to expand the international recognition of the Republic, the development of relations with countries that have recognized the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state and the establishment of new diplomatic contacts, responding to foreign policy challenges and threats. In general, today international relations are characterized by serious turbulence, and we must respond to this consistently and carefully.

As for interstate relations with the Russian Federation, I would say that our countries have a long history of relationships.

Today Russia is our strategic ally. We have a serious legal framework, which includes fundamental documents: the Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation dated September 17, 2008 and the Agreement between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation on Alliance and Strategic Partnership dated November 24 2014.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Republic of
Abkhazia, among the main directions of the foreign policy of the Republic of Abkhazia, the strengthening and development of mutually beneficial allied relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation is in the first place.

We support Russia in this difficult time. I would like to remind you that Abkhazia supported the decision of its strategic ally on the issue of conducting a Special Military Operation (SMO), we recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, and then supported their admission, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, into Russia. In the Northern Military District, our citizens fight shoulder to shoulder with Russian military personnel. Unfortunately, there are deaths among our volunteers. In addition, to the best of our ability, we provide humanitarian assistance to new regions of Russia. We, like our ally, stand for the formation of a multipolar, fair world order that would be based on sovereign equality and respect for the rights of small peoples and nations. In general, Russia is a special direction in the foreign policy of our country.

2.What are the prospects for the Geneva discussions on the Transcaucasus? Do you intend to adjust the line of their conduct on the part of our delegation? Earlier there was talk of moving the negotiations to another city. Do you already know where? When and where will the next round of Geneva discussions take place?

The Geneva international discussions on security and stability in the Transcaucasus are very important. For us today they are the only international platform on which the Republic of Abkhazia can defend its positions, and a communication channel in negotiations with Georgia. The work is being carried out in two groups: security and humanitarian. To date, 61 rounds have taken place. The main demand of the Abkhazian side in Geneva is the signing of an agreement on non-use of force between Abkhazia and Georgia, which Georgia refuses. The next round of the Geneva international discussions on security and stability in the Transcaucasus is scheduled for November 2024.
As for a possible new venue for negotiations, it is premature to talk about this.

3. How do you assess cooperation with the Russian Federation on all stated objectives, in particular on security issues? When will the Russian naval base in Ochamchira open?

We have built multifaceted interstate cooperation. One of its most important areas is security cooperation. You know that the 7th Russian military base is stationed in the Republic. Russian border troops play a very important role in ensuring security in Abkhazia, especially given the fact that Georgia refuses to sign a legally binding document on the non-use of force. In general, as I said above, international relations are characterized by serious turbulence and because of this, among other things, Abkhazian-Russian cooperation in the field of security is important from this point of view.

As for the Ochamchira port, we are not talking about opening a naval base there. Our military department can tell you more about this.

4. How will relations with INGOs develop? Your predecessor conducted a very tough
dialogue with them. Will everything continue in the same spirit or is there a plan to
establish more trusting cooperation?

Regarding the activities of INGOs, I can say the following. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of
course, will carefully monitor the projects received by it. INGOs and UN Agencies cannot
engage in activities that have any political overtones or interfere in our internal affairs. We
remember the amount of support international organizations provided us in the post-war period,when Abkhazia was under blockade. Today we say that there are useful humanitarian projects,and our citizens work in these organizations. Therefore, we will work selectively.

5. As for Georgia, will anything change in the process of dialogue with Tbilisi? You have no longer had direct contacts for many years, but there was an intention to resume the Gal meetings on the prevention of conflicts on the border. Is there a need for this?

Our position on this issue is extremely clear about Georgia. Georgia must recognize the existing realities: the Republic of Abkhazia is a sovereign independent state. We have repeatedly stated that they need to repeal the law “On Occupied Territories”. We categorically do not accept the use of this term in relation to our country.

Regarding the possible resumption of the work of the Incident Prevention and Response
Mechanism (IPRM) in the town of Gal, I can say that it has been inactive since 2018 due to the unconstructive position of the Georgian participants.

6. August 8 is the next anniversary of Georgia’s attack on South Ossetia. What are the prospects for signing a non-aggression pact with Georgia? Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia in the fall; could the approach of the authorities in Tbilisi to Abkhazia and South Ossetia change after the elections?

I have already told you about the prospects of signing a non-aggression pact with Georgia. Georgia's position on this issue is destructive.
As for the elections in Georgia, we see how the topic of Abkhazia is used in the internal political struggle of our neighbors. We, of course, are monitoring what is happening in Georgia. We are closely monitoring appeals to Georgia and its reaction to calls for the opening of a “second front.” We remain vigilant. We hope that common sense  will prevail.