On May 5, the Russian-Abkhaz Cross-Border Youth Forum began in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. A delegation from the Republic of Abkhazia, headed by Tarash Khagba, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia for Youth and Sports is participating in the forum. The delegation includes Dzhemal Bganba, Head of the Department of Strategic Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The forum program began with a flower-laying ceremony at the monument to volunteers from Kabardino-Balkaria who died in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia in 1992-1993.
At the forum's opening ceremony, Tarash Khagba, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia for Youth and Sports read a message from Badra Gunba, President of the Republic of Abkhazia to the forum participants.
On the first day, a plenary session, "Russia-Abkhazia: Youth Context," was held during which Dzhemal Bganba, Head of the Department of Strategic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a welcoming speech.
Dzhemal Bganba emphasized that "the forum's location evokes special feelings – being on the land of a fraternal people, with whom we share culture, history, and close ties is invaluable. I would also like to specifically recall the heroic deeds of the valiant sons of the North Caucasus, natives of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, who extended a helping hand and stood shoulder to shoulder with the Abkhaz people in an unequal battle against the aggressor. Thanks to this, the Abkhaz people defended their right to independence, and today we can proudly represent the Republic of Abkhazia on the land of our brothers."
Regarding Abkhaz youth in the context of Abkhaz-Russian cooperation, he primarily noted education, which remains one of the fundamental elements of Abkhaz-Russian cooperation.
"Under the international policy of isolating of the Abkhaz people, which runs counter to all international humanitarian norms, the Abkhaz people, particularly Abkhaz youth, are deprived of the right to freedom of movement and access to education in most foreign countries. Under these circumstances, Abkhaz citizens receive a unique, annual and free opportunity to enroll in leading of Russian universities under state quotas granted by the Government of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Abkhazia. This makes an invaluable contribution to the training of highly qualified personnel for the Republic of Abkhazia in various fields," said Dzhemal Bganba.
The Head of the Department of Strategic Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that cooperation in the social and humanitarian sector has also gained significant momentum in recent years: in 2025, a number of youth projects were implemented in Abkhazia with the support of Russian structures, including joint summer educational sessions, cultural exchange programs, and the Russian society "Knowledge" including Abkhaz youth in a number of its federal initiatives.
The opportunity to participate in the Rosmolodezh grant competition has opened; the Mashuk Knowledge Center in Stavropol has become a meeting point for young leaders from Abkhazia and the North Caucasus.
According to him, "all of the above and much more testifies to the highest level of cooperation between our countries in youth policy, as well as the enormous potential and opportunities offered to the youth of Abkhazia and Russia for self-development."
Concluding his speech, the diplomat emphasized that "we are interested in this forum not being a one-off event, but rather part of a systematic effort. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia is ready to facilitate youth exchanges receiving any necessary institutional framework through agreements, programs, and joint projects."
Dzhemal Bganba also participated in the "International Youth Cooperation" thematic platform.
The first stage of the forum is being held in Nalchik from May 4 to 8 The event aims to strengthen friendly and partnership ties, develop cultural, educational, and volunteer initiatives, and create a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences.
