Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Bartsits expressed sincere condolences over the death of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Botsiev.

The condolences reads, in particular:

"On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, I express my sincere condolences over the untimely death of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Ilyich Botsiev.

Oleg Ilyich Botsiev, a native of Tkuarchal, Abkhazian ASSR, Abkhazian and Ossetian statesman, diplomat, permanent Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Republic of Abkhazia.

Oleg Ilyich Botsiev has always been distinguished by his highest professionalism, dedication to the interests of the state, and enormous experience, thanks to which he made a colossal contribution to the development of bilateral relations between the fraternal peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The bright memory of Oleg Ilyich will forever remain in the hearts of his loved ones, friends and colleagues. On this sad day, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Oleg Ilyich Botsiev."