Kharaziya on signing an agreement with the Italian town: strengthening economic ties with Europe will favorably affect political ones

Deputy Foreign Minister Kan Taniya and head of the Administration of Sukhum Adgur Kharaziya at a press conference told about the results of the visit of the delegation from Abkhazia to Italy.

Sukhum. May 2. Apsnypress. Dmitry Basariya. A press conference on the inauguration of the representation of the CCI of the Republic of Abkhazia in Italy, in the city of Bari, and the signing of a protocol of intentions with one of the Italian cities by Sukhum was held in the press center of the AGTRK. Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Kan Taniya and head of the Administration of Sukhum Adgur Kharaziya answered the questions of journalists.

 Recall that on April 29 in the Italian city of Bari in the regional office of the Italian Confederation of Agriculture (CIA) inauguration of the representation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia in this country. At the inauguration attended by representatives of medium and large business, the mayoralty of the cities of the region of Apulia, journalists and representatives of the association Europe - Abkhazia. Also, on this day, the protocol of intentions of the Administration of Sukhum with the colleagues of one of the Italian cities was signed.

 Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Kan Taniya reported details of the visit: "These two important acts were held as part of the presentation of the investment potential of Abkhazia for the Board of Directors of the Italian Confederation of Agriculture in their regional office in Bari. The presentation featured a 20-minute film about Abkhazia, its history and identity, as well as the investment potential of the republic. Present guests with pleasant surprise discovered a new state, became interested in possible cooperation in the field of agriculture and tourism, as well as the exchange of experience in these areas. The opening of the new office of the CCI of RA in Italy is significant because it was officially registered on the basis of the Charter of the organization, taking into account the Abkhaz documents. As for signing the protocol of intentions with the mayor of Sukhum and head of one of the Italian cities, it should be noted that this is not an international but a partner agreement. Under the protocol, the parties agreed to exchange business missions of Abkhazia and Italy every year, in particular, the regions of Calabria and Puglia. In September of this year, Sukhum will be visited by the first business mission from Italy. We deliberately do not name the city with which this agreement was reached in order to protect its administration from pressure from the Embassy of Georgia in Italy".

 Speaking about the reality of the prospects of recognition of Abkhazia by Italy, Taniya noted: "We have no illusions about the imminent recognition of Abkhazia by Italy, but nevertheless, we are not slowing down in this direction and will continue until the end. Such events are part of the puzzle that we need to collect in order to achieve recognition of Abkhazia by the European Community. There are few among the EU countries who knows about us. Therefore, it is important through personal contact to explain to representatives of these countries that we are an open, peace-loving, independent country, able to receive investors, tourists and other guests".

 In his turn, Adgur Kharazia stressed: "The signing of the protocol of intentions with the Italian city was the first such agreement with the European city for all post-war time. This agreement is important not only for Sukhum, but for the whole Abkhazia. Also, negotiations are being held with three other European cities to sign such agreements. I should note that the representatives of the Italian side expressed a desire to cooperate with Abkhazia in the field of economic development. So far we can cooperate only in this area, but strengthening economic ties with Europe will favorably influence political ones. In particular, the first delegation from Italy will bring olive tree seedlings to Abkhazia. If they get accustomed to Abkhazia, it will be possible to talk about the prospects of penetration the first Italian investments in the cultivation and processing of olives".

According to Taniya, Vito Grittani is appointed chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia in Italy, who is concurrently Ambassador at Large of the RA MFA in this country. "Grittany works for the benefit of Abkhazia. He established himself as a connoisseur and friend of Abkhazia. He is also the head of the international diplomatic observatory. Friends of this level are important for Abkhazia, " - Taniya said.