President of the Republic of Abkhazia

In Tskhinval, Raul Khadzhimba had a meeting with the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov.

From the Abkhazian side, the Secretary of the Security Council MukhamedKilba participated in the meeting. From the South Ossetian side, the Head of the Administration of the President Alan Djioyev, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Kazbulat Tskhovrebov, the State Advisor of the President David Sanakoyev, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia in the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Botsiyev were present at the meeting.

Raul Khadzhimba thanked Leonid Tibilov for the invitation to participate in the events, dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic of South Ossetia. The President congratulated Leonid Tibilov and the people of South Ossetia with the celebration.

“The day of the 20th of September, 1990, is of a truly historic significance. The announcement of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast as a sovereign South Ossetian Republic by the Council of People’s Deputies became a milestone on the way to the attainment of freedom and independence by the people of South Ossetia, - remarked Raul Khadzhimba. – The South Ossetian people walked a difficult path, like the people of Abkhazia. Our nations overcame a lot of problems which were created by those, who do not always realise that neighbours should be living in peace and friendship. There is no alternative to the path that we have chosen”.

The President also remarked that “today South Ossetia confidently walks the path towards stability, security and socio-economic development”.

Leonid Tibilov thanked the delegation of Abkhazia for the visit and participation in the celebratory events. “We are always happy to see the positive changes that happen in Abkhazia. You are tasked with resolving serious issues, and I hope that everything that is planned under your leadership will be realised. We will do everything possible so that the relations between our countries would see new developments that would benefit the interests of our nations”, - said the President of South Ossetia.

Leonid Tibilov noted in particular that Raul Khadjimba is visiting South Ossetia for the first time as the President of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The Presidents of the two countries emphasised that in the context of difficult processes in the world and in the Transcaucasian Region, as well as new challenges and threats, the alliance with Russia is becoming much more significant for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “I have no doubts that the Treaties which were signed with Russia will take to a new level the defence and security, as well as the socio-economic development of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is a dignified and timely response to all potential threats and challenges”, - noted Raul Khadzhimba.

The questions of developing the relations between the two countries were also discussed at the meeting. “One of our tasks is the strengthening and increasing of contacts between Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, - noted Raul Khadzhimba.

At the end of the meeting, Leonid Tibilov awarded Raul Khadjimba with the Order of Friendship for the big personal contribution to the development and consolidation of friendly and cooperative relations between the nations of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia on the Day of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic of South Ossetia. The members of the delegation were also awarded with medals to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Republic of South Ossetia.