Putin Congratulates Abkhazia on National Day, Pledges Continued Support for Development and Security

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Abkhaz President Badra Gunba on Victory and Independence Day, pledging continued support for state-building and socioeconomic development. Observed on September 30, this year’s national holiday marked the 33rd anniversary of the end of the war in 1993.

According to the account released by the Russian side, Putin described relations between Russia and Abkhazia as friendly and allied. He expressed confidence that these ties would grow stronger for the benefit of their peoples and in the interests of regional stability and security.

Putin said Russia would continue actively supporting Abkhazia in addressing pressing state-building and socioeconomic development needs. The Russian statement also claimed that Abkhazia had made progress in strengthening its economy, improving social welfare and living standards, implementing investment projects and expanding international ties.

The statement identified the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, signed on September 17, 2008, and the Treaty on Alliance and Strategic Partnership, signed on November 24, 2014, as foundations of bilateral cooperation. Russia said it has supported Abkhazia’s development and security through these agreements.

On the eve of the national holiday, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Memorial to the Defenders of the Fatherland in Sukhum’s Park of Glory. According to the account, President Gunba attended alongside Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Abkhazia, Mikhail Litvinov, and embassy staff.

Abkhazia observes September 30 as a symbol of the end of the 1992–1993 war and its independence. The Russian statement described the conflict as the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia and recalled the participation of the Abkhaz diaspora and volunteers from the North Caucasus and other Russian regions.

Russia recognises Abkhazia as an independent state. Its international status remains disputed, however, and most countries regard it as part of Georgia. Against this backdrop, Putin’s message reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its relationship with Abkhazia, development assistance and regional security.