During a working visit to the Russian Federation by Oleg Bartsits, Foreign Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Jesús Rafael Salazar Velázquez, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Russian Federation and concurrently to the Republic of Abkhazia.
The meeting was also attended by Odissey Bigvava, Deputy Foreign Minister, Alkhas Kvitsinia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Russian Federation and Sariia Dzhopua.Head of the Department for Interaction with International Organizations
During the conversation, the Minister expressed deep gratitude to the Venezuelan side for its ongoing support and close working contacts, including at the diplomatic mission level.
Particular attention was paid to recent events in Venezuela.
Oleg Bartsits emphasized that he had been closely following domestic political developments in the friendly country and stated that Abkhazia was confident of the people's support for the legitimate government.
"We honor the memory of the soldiers who fell defending Venezuela. We have made all the necessary statements in support of the constitutional order and are ready to come, when it is important, to personally express our solidarity," Oleg Bartsits noted.
"We observed with satisfaction the inauguration ceremony of Delcy Rodriguez as Acting President and are pleased that the situation in the country has stabilized. We are confident that the policies of the new leadership will serve to strengthen state institutions," the head of the Foreign Ministry stated.
For his part, Ambassador Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez expressed deep gratitude to the Republic of Abkhazia for its principled and unwavering position of solidarity at key moments for Venezuela.
"The Bolivarian Revolution, the ideas of our Liberator Simón Bolívar about justice, sovereignty, and unity, have endured serious trials," the diplomat noted. "But, as we all see, it has once again proven its viability and popular support. Our constitutional continuity is unbroken, and we will continue to strengthen our institutions for the benefit of all Venezuelans."
The ambassador particularly emphasized the value of an allied relationship with Abkhazia, based on mutual respect and the shared principles of protecting international law and the right of peoples to self-determination.
"For us, Abkhazia is not just a partner, but a fraternal nation whose path we understand and respect. We are determined not only to maintain, but actively deepen our bilateral ties. Our intention is to take our relations to a new level. Venezuela is open to dialogue on joint ventures and increased mutual investment," he stated.
The diplomat confirmed Venezuela's readiness to closely coordinate with the Abkhaz side on all matters of mutual interest at international venues.
During the meeting, bilateral Abkhaz-Venezuelan relations were discussed, and a mutual intention to strengthen them, including in the economic sphere with the prospect of establishing joint ventures, was expressed.
The minister expressed confidence in the feasibility and mutual benefit of such projects.
They also reaffirmed their mutual desire to closely coordinate their actions on the international stage and agreed to develop a roadmap for the practical deepening of cooperation between Abkhazia and Venezuela.
Positions on further steps were synchronized, and mutual readiness for ongoing dialogue and deepening of the strategic partnership between Sukhum and Caracas was confirmed.
The meeting at the Venezuelan Embassy in Moscow was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
