Speech by Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia at the awards ceremony and gala concert for the winners of the 4-th Alisa Gitsba International Music Competition and Laboratory, "Music – Dialogue Without Borders and Distances"
(October 23, 2025, R. Gumba Abkhaz State Philharmonic)
“Good evening, dear friends, distinguished guests, participants, and organizers of this remarkable event in the life of Abkhazia, Russia, and, as it turns out, many other countries.
I am very pleased that the geographic reach of this remarkable project, conceived and launched by our remarkable and outstanding compatriot Alisa Shalvovna Gitsba, People's Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia, Honored Artist of Russia is expanding.
I am, of course, grateful to everyone who made this wonderful gala concert and this remarkable competition possible: The Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia. Vladimir Valerievich Delba, Prime Minister is present here. This speaks to how important this is for Abkhazia, how important it is for relations between Abkhazia and Russia. This is another bridge between our peoples, between our cultures. And, as it turns out, it is also a bridge to many other countries.
I am very pleased to say that our wonderful guest, Katerin Velasquez Duarte is with us today. And this is yet another real fulfillment of our friendship and alliance with the wonderful, friendly, and fraternal Republic of Nicaragua. I also want to thank the distinguished jury, which consists of very significant names. You could even call it an international jury. I thank them for being here in Abkhazia these days. For everything they did, together with Alisa Shalvovna, to ensure that new stars, new names are lit up the horizon of opera, classical music, and this high-level world of art.