President Dmitry Medvedev visits Abkhazia

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev went on a brief working visit to Abkhazia on August 8. This was the first visit of a Russian president to Abkhazia since Russia recognized the independence of the former Georgian republic two years ago.
Photo: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev with Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh.

Medvedev and Bagapsh in a café in Abkhazian capital Sukhumi.

Medvedev with a local resident and her baby son Dominik.

Russia will develop comprehensive relations with Abkhazia, including economic and security contacts, Medvedev said at a meeting with Bagapsh.

Medvedev and Bagapsh laid flowers at the 1992-1993 Abkhazian-Georgian war memorial. In the early hours of August 9, 2008, Georgian troops attacked South Ossetia, partially destroying its capital, Tskhinvali. Russia sent troops to protect local residents, many of whom had Russian citizenship. The Georgian forces were driven from the region after five days of fighting. Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August 2008.

“Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was not an easy one, but time has shown that it was the right one,” Medvedev said.

After their meeting, Medvedev and Bagapsh visited the Russian military base in Gudauta.

8 августа 2010 г. Президент РФ Дмитрий Медведев и президент Абхазии Сергей Багапш в столовой российской военной базы в Гудауте.

Russia’s commander in chief personally priced the menu in the military base canteen.

President Dmitry Medvedev said he would make every effort to ensure good living conditions for the troops serving at the Russian base in Abkhazia. He said new houses and dormitories for the servicemen were being built.

“Everyone carrying out their military service here and in South Ossetia during this time has gained invaluable experience, but most important of all, you and your predecessors have defended peace and helped ordinary people,” President Medvedev said.