Good morning! We would like to congratulate you on the holiday - Victory and Independence Day - which was celebrated yesterday.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has sent you his congratulations. This is truly our first shared Victory. And we deeply value this chapter of our modern history.
We are grateful for the assistance provided in holding elections to the State Duma in Russia. The majority of Abkhazia’s population holds Russian citizenship and actively participates in the election process. And, of course, we are grateful for the unwavering solidarity shown regarding the special military operation. Abkhazian volunteers are making a significant contribution to our common cause. We value this and will always remember it.
As for our bilateral relations, they are developing dynamically. A key event was the meeting between the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Badra Zurabovich Gunba, held in Moscow on May 9, 2026. At that meeting, an agreement was reached to step up our bilateral cooperation, and specific socio-economic and humanitarian projects were identified. This sets the stage for practical work under the coordinating role of our ministries, as stipulated by the decrees of our presidents.
On August 26, Abkhazia celebrates the Day of International Recognition of Independence. The "Music of the Proud" festival, held to mark the occasion, was very well received.
Today, of course, we will discuss the status of our joint efforts on the international stage. We note the implementation of landmark initiatives: the reconstruction of the Sukhum embankment, the provision of hot meals in schools, and a new hub for the "We Are Together" NGO. These truly reflect our current reality and the mutual desire for friendship between our peoples.
There is significant potential for cooperation in the investment sphere as well, as demonstrated by the First Abkhazian International Economic Forum. We intend to develop this area further; it is gratifying to note that trade turnover grew by 16% last year - very positive figures.
Abkhazia is a popular destination for Russian tourists. The volume of tours to your country increased by over 40% last year. As President Badra Gunba has stated, the goal is for Abkhazia to host 5 million visitors annually by 2030.
We will certainly do everything in our power to help achieve this figure and expect it to become a reality, though it will, of course, require investment in infrastructure and security measures.
We will assist independent Abkhazia in its development across all areas without exception: domestic development, external relations, and coordination on the international stage.
Speaking of the international arena, I know you recently visited the Syrian Arab Republic, and I would appreciate hearing your impressions and plans. We will also review all the items on our agenda, as I mentioned earlier.
Later, over lunch, we will join our colleague from South Ossetia to discuss current international issues and regional security challenges, including the so-called International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia.
This format requires our constant attention, making today’s meeting very timely. Welcome again!
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has sent you his congratulations. This is truly our first shared Victory. And we deeply value this chapter of our modern history.
We are grateful for the assistance provided in holding elections to the State Duma in Russia. The majority of Abkhazia’s population holds Russian citizenship and actively participates in the election process. And, of course, we are grateful for the unwavering solidarity shown regarding the special military operation. Abkhazian volunteers are making a significant contribution to our common cause. We value this and will always remember it.
As for our bilateral relations, they are developing dynamically. A key event was the meeting between the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Badra Zurabovich Gunba, held in Moscow on May 9, 2026. At that meeting, an agreement was reached to step up our bilateral cooperation, and specific socio-economic and humanitarian projects were identified. This sets the stage for practical work under the coordinating role of our ministries, as stipulated by the decrees of our presidents.
On August 26, Abkhazia celebrates the Day of International Recognition of Independence. The "Music of the Proud" festival, held to mark the occasion, was very well received.
Today, of course, we will discuss the status of our joint efforts on the international stage. We note the implementation of landmark initiatives: the reconstruction of the Sukhum embankment, the provision of hot meals in schools, and a new hub for the "We Are Together" NGO. These truly reflect our current reality and the mutual desire for friendship between our peoples.
There is significant potential for cooperation in the investment sphere as well, as demonstrated by the First Abkhazian International Economic Forum. We intend to develop this area further; it is gratifying to note that trade turnover grew by 16% last year - very positive figures.
Abkhazia is a popular destination for Russian tourists. The volume of tours to your country increased by over 40% last year. As President Badra Gunba has stated, the goal is for Abkhazia to host 5 million visitors annually by 2030.
We will certainly do everything in our power to help achieve this figure and expect it to become a reality, though it will, of course, require investment in infrastructure and security measures.
We will assist independent Abkhazia in its development across all areas without exception: domestic development, external relations, and coordination on the international stage.
Speaking of the international arena, I know you recently visited the Syrian Arab Republic, and I would appreciate hearing your impressions and plans. We will also review all the items on our agenda, as I mentioned earlier.
Later, over lunch, we will join our colleague from South Ossetia to discuss current international issues and regional security challenges, including the so-called International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia.
This format requires our constant attention, making today’s meeting very timely. Welcome again!