On October 21, 2025, Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia received Alisa Gitsba, People's Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, and director of the International Music Competition-Laboratory "Music – Dialogue Without Borders and Distance," and Katerin Velasquez, leading soloist of the Nicaraguan Incanto Foundation (Nicaraguan Vocal Institute) and participant in the 4-th Alisa Gitsba International Music Competition-Laboratory.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of cultural contacts in strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Abkhazia and Nicaragua.

He warmly spoke about the Abkhaz delegation's visit to Nicaragua in July of this year and the reception the delegation received from Nicaraguan leaders.

"We are pleased that representatives of the Incanto Theatre Foundation are in Abkhazia today.

We are pleased to be able to give real substance to our relations with sisterly Nicaragua. This is first and foremost, high art; it is the key to bringing the peoples and cultures of our two countries closer together. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to develop cooperation with Nicaragua and other friendly countries," noted Oleg Bartsits.

The Minister emphasized that such events, held with the support of the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives of the Russian Federation, make an important contribution to strengthening of interstate cooperation. Oleg Bartsits expressed gratitude to Alisa Gitsba for organizing of such a significant cultural event as the International Music Competition-Laboratory.

In turn, Katerin Velasquez, thanking her for the warm welcome, emphasized that she was happy to be in Abkhazia, and that participating in the competition was a great personal and professional experience for her.
"I believe this is a very important step that helps develop relations between our countries. "My presence here is significant not only for me personally, but also as a sign of respect and friendship," said Velasquez.

Alisa Gitsba spoke about all stages of the competition, the awards ceremony and gala concert for the winners of which will take place on October 23 at the R. Gumba Abkhaz State Philharmonic. She expressed gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for their support, as well as to the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives of the Russian Federation for their comprehensive assistance, emphasizing that this support is crucial for the development of cultural projects.

Meeting participants expressed gratitude to Boris Bartsits, General Director of A-Mobile LLC, for his financial assistance in organizing of the visit of Nicaraguan singer Katerina Velasquez to Abkhazia.