Today we celebrate the 33-rd anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.

On May 17, 1993, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia adopted the Resolution "On the Establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia," signed by Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorievich Ardzinba.

That day marked the beginning of a challenging journey to defend national interests and strengthen of our state's international position in the foreign policy arena.

During the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia, the foundations of the diplomatic service were laid and its principles, traditions, and continuity were established.

During the difficult post-war period, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selflessly defended the national interests of the Republic of Abkhazia, consistently strengthening of our country's international position.

Abkhaz diplomacy emerged and developed in challenging of historical circumstances and has achieved significant results. The main of these is the recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state by the Russian Federation in August 2008. This event opened up new opportunities for developing of international relations and strengthening of our country's foreign policy. It was followed by recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state by a number of other countries.

I would like to express special gratitude to the veterans of Abkhazia's diplomatic service and to all who served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the years. I thank you for your dedication to your profession, your contribution to the development of Abkhaz diplomacy and the knowledge and experience you have passed to the younger generation of Abkhaz diplomats.

Dear colleagues, building on the achieved results and accumulated experience we intend to continue to effectively address the challenges facing the Ministry, worthily representing the interests of the Republic of Abkhazia on the international stage.

Dear veterans of the diplomatic service, employees of the Central Office and missions abroad, I congratulate you on the 33-rd anniversary of the founding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia. I wish you good health, peace, prosperity, continued success, and further achievements for the benefit of the Republic of Abkhazia.