Raul Khajimba: Russia's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia marked a qualitatively new stage in the development of Abkhaz-Russian relations

The international conference "10 Years of Recognition: Results and Perspectives" began with the Plenary Session in the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Abkhazia.

Sukhum. 22 August. Apsnypress. International conference "10 Years of Recognition: Results and Perspectives" is opened in Sukhum. The organizer of the event is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia.
  
 President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba spoke at the Plenary Session of the Conference:
 
 "Your high forum is filled with a deep symbolic meaning and is extremely relevant, because it is dedicated to a bright and significant political event - the 10th anniversary of the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia, which marked a qualitatively new stage in the development of Abkhaz-Russian relations. I am immensely happy to welcome prominent politicians, scientists, public figures, parliamentarians, whose objective views and reflections on contemporary problems, in particular about the situation in Abkhazia, have been accompanying us for several years.
  
 "I think that sooner or later we will wait for Russia to recognize the independence of Abkhazia. And we will not wait for this from some political circles, namely from those who will lead Russia, " - stressed the First President of our republic Vladislav Ardzinba, who stood at the origins of the national liberation movement and the revival of our statehood.
  
 These days we are again looking at the August events of 2008. The efforts of some Western politicians, who are trying to smooth out, gloss over the facts of the frank genocide perpetrated by Georgia in South Ossetia are in vain.
  
 The background to the recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is a documentary chronicle, a unique chronicle of events deserving closer scientific attention of historians, political scientists and conflictologists. I think that work in this direction is beginning to gain momentum at the current stage, when time and experience give enough grounds for a more ambitious and multifaceted cause-and-effect assessment of the events that occurred in the Caucasus. I have no doubt that our Abkhazian political scientists and historians will also take a fruitful part in this process, whose scientific research is of interest not only in our country, but also abroad.
  
 The extremely complex and responsible political decisions that determined the fate of the two fraternal nations were made by the leaders of Russia Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin, who acted clearly and consistently, adequately the situation then prevailing. They were deeply aware of the negative political resonance that such decisive actions can cause, but the protection of small peoples whose lives faced a real threat, the safety of Russian citizens, peace and stability in the region were above all in those days.
 
 Presidents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Sergey Bagapsh and Eduard Kokoity, who had a heavy burden of responsibility for the further development of events, made a worthy contribution to the preparation and implementation of these fateful agreements.
 
 International recognition has opened up to our country a rare chance for an even greater and more confident political and legal self-affirmation. The treaties, international agreements, other political and legal documents concluded and implemented during this relatively short period gave a powerful impetus to the process of political and economic revival of Abkhazia, strengthening of its security, restoration of the full cultural, educational and information space between our states, interrupted by armed aggression of Georgia against Abkhazia and its devastating consequences.
 
 Decrees, other major legal acts concerning the Republic of Abkhazia, signed by Vladimir Putin, since the end of the 1990s, when our country was forced to survive in conditions of international isolation, opened the way to the restoration of our statehood based on centuries of historical experience .
 
 "We have something to talk about, but the most important thing is that we have a special, very special relationship with Abkhazia. We reliably guarantee the security and independence of Abkhazia. I am confident that this will continue ... ", - the President of Russia noted at our meeting in Pitsunda on August 8, 2017
  
 I take these words as a specific strategy for our further interaction, and as an original, clearly verified ideological message of our cooperation in a broad perspective.
 
 I am sure that many of our fellow citizens evaluate our future precisely through the prism of such an objective assessment of the positive experience of the coexistence of two friendly states.
  
 This year, as you know, we will celebrate another national holiday: the 25th anniversary of the victory and independence of the Republic of Abkhazia. Often one can hear words filled with the truth that has been won by all the people: there would be no independence, there would be no recognition. Yes, the road to independence was long and thorny.

Thousands of brave sons and daughters of Abkhazia, our foreign compatriots, valiant volunteers from the North Caucasus, Moscow and St. Petersburg, many cities, territories and regions of Russia have put their heads on the altar of sacred freedom. With their unfading feats, they forever paved the way for independence and international recognition of Abkhazia.
  
 Eternal memory to heroes! Peace and prosperity to the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia! Growth and gaining new victories to the Russian Federation - our ally and strategic partner!
  
 Festive mood and creative achievements to all of you - dear participants of the jubilee International Conference! "