Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia was awarded the "Labor Valor" Badge of Distinction and the Certificate of Honor "For Active Contribution to the Fate of the Motherland, Special Achievements in Labor, Patriotism, and Military Labor for the Glory of Russia" by the All-Russian Public Organization of Heroes, Holders of State Awards, and Laureates of the "Labor Valor of Russia" State Prize. The Foreign Ministry staff was also awarded a diploma "For Active Contribution to the Fate of the Motherland, Special Achievements in Labor, Patriotism, and Military Labor for the Glory of Russia."

Natalia Mezentseva, President of the St. Martyr Boniface Charitable Foundation and member of the "Labor Valor of Russia" Board presented the award to the Minister. Hegumen Ignatius (Kiut) and Dzhemal Bganba, Head of the Department of Strategic Cooperation of the Foreign Ministry also participated in the meeting with Natalia
Mezentseva.

Natalia Mezentseva stated that "in the current situation, with so many challenges and threats, the work of the Foreign Ministers is extremely important, because diplomacy can solve so many problems." She noted the Foreign Minister's contribution to the development of good-neighborly relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia.

In turn, Oleg Bartsits thanked them for their attention, saying that he was "particularly honored that our modest diplomatic achievements have been recognized by our Russian friends." 

The Minister also emphasized the active development of cooperation between Abkhazia and Russia.

"Recently, this has received particular impetus. These are very intensive contacts, a very high level of interaction. For our country, cooperation, partnership, and simply friendship with Russia are of decisive importance. We are interacting in many areas, and it is especially gratifying to note that this is also happening in the area of spiritual interaction. I would like to thank you and our remarkable compatriot, Father Ignatius, for your dedicated work," the Foreign Minister said.