The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev expressed gratitude to the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh for the message on the first anniversary of the Russian Federation’s recognition of the state sovereignty of the Republic of Abkhazia. The message was given today in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.

President Medvedev congratulated the Head of the State and the people of Abkhazia on the significant and important date for the bilateral relations – August 26.

He stressed in August 2008 Russia made a difficult but responsible decision, which guaranteed the right of the Republic of Abkhazia to self-determination, free and independent development, and ushered in a new phase in the Republic's history.

“I would especially like to stress that our position is final and will not be subject to revision”, says the message.

“Today Abkhazia is confidently addressing problems connected with the development of its statehood. The activities of its democratic institutions are being established, the Republic's border is being strengthened, socio-economic infrastructure is gradually recovering, and citizens are more confident about the future”, the message of the President of Russia reads.

Medvedev emphasized over the past year Russian-Abkhaz relations have become those between two independent countries. The key event in this regard was the signing of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Aid between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia.

“Our countries are witnessing new opportunities for constructive work in the trade, economic, social and humanitarian spheres. Our priority remains ensuring peace and security in the region. We intend to continue to help the people of Abkhazia soon overcome the consequences of hard years of defending their right to follow their own independent development path”, Dmitry Medvedev's message says.

abkhaziagov.org

Natpress