Occupied Abkhazia is celebrating Victory and Independence Day today. Delegations from Moscow and Tskhinvali attended the ceremonial events.

In particular, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko arrived in Sukhumi, making his sixth visit to Abkhazia this year. He delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of Vladimir Putin. The address emphasized that relations between Moscow and Sukhumi will continue to develop in all areas.

"Dear Badra Zurabovich, dear citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia, please accept my warmest congratulations on the occasion of Victory and Independence Day. This holiday embodies the courage and resilience of the people of Abkhazia.

<…> Relations between our countries are successfully developing in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership. "I am confident that we will continue to strengthen cooperation in all areas, as well as constructive interaction in ensuring regional security and stability," the Russian president said in his congratulatory message.

As a reminder, civilized countries and most international organizations consider the self-proclaimed Abkhazia and South Ossetia territories of Georgia under Russian occupation. Only Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, and Syria have recognized the independence of these republics.