"Abkhaz are in a positive mood because they feel Russia's support". Ankvab assures Putin that Abkhazia is not what it used to be.

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Abkhazia help in the economic and social spheres when he met the Abkhaz leader Alexander Ankvab near Sochi yesterday

Putin said that "much has been done over the previous years for establishing Abkhazia as an independent state, but much more is still to be done". Touching on the visit to a border crossing between Russia and Abkhazia that the two leaders paid earlier in the day, Putin noted that everything should be done so that "people feel comfortable, are able to socialise, relax and do business".

For his part, Ankvab congratulated Putin on his inauguration as Russian president. "I cannot fail to congratulate you not just on my behalf, but on behalf of your voters in Abkhazia," Ankvab said. "Today, Abkhazia is not what it used to be six or seven years ago. With Russia's help, we are developing progressively, which is of great significance to our country," he said. Ankvab went on to say that people in Abkhazia "are in a positive mood because they feel Russia's support".

The meeting was Putin's first encounter with a foreign leader since he was sworn in as President of Russia on Monday.

source: commonspace.eu with Interfax

photo: Vladimir Putin with the Abkhaz leader, Alexander Ankvab in Sochi on 11 May 2012. (picture courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Russia).

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.