Sergey Lavrov on the Embassy building: the greatness of the project reflects Russia's attitude towards the fraternal, allied Abkhazian people

The official ceremony of the opening of a new complex of buildings of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Abkhazia was held in Sukhum.

Sukhum. April 18. Apsnypress. Lana Tsvizhba / Madina Chagava. Within the framework of the visit to Abkhazia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the official opening ceremony of the new complex of the Russian Embassy buildings in Abkhazia.

 The ceremony was opened by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev: "Today is the way that the Embassy has passed since its foundation. Let me remind you of its milestones: on August 26, 2008 Russia recognized the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia, September 9, 2008, there were established diplomatic relations between our countries. On October 25, 2008, the Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia was appointed by the Presidential Decree. It is noteworthy that the day before this appointment, on October 24, there was a Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Abkhazia "On granting the Russian Federation land plots in Sukhum for the construction of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and the residence of the Ambassador of Russia". Remembering this, I can not not to pay tribute to Sergey Bagapsh, who as President of Abkhazia played a decisive role in ensuring that the Russian Embassy was in this place. The Embassy itself was established on February 9, 2009 by the order of Vladimir Putin, its work in Abkhazia began on April 30, 2009. In the same year, work began on designing the building of the Embassy and residence." Semyon Grigoriev thanked "the top leadership of the Republic and, first of all, the President of RA Raul Khajimba for the attention paid to the Embassy."

 The opening ceremony of the new building of the Embassy was made by the President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba: "This is a very important event for our countries. Russian diplomats will work and live in more comfortable conditions. The development and strengthening of relations with the Russian Federation is not just the main and key direction of Abkhazia's foreign policy, it is a vital necessity for our people, which is grateful to Russia for recognizing Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state, for contributing to security and socio-economic development of our country . For 8 years since its establishment, the Russian Embassy in Abkhazia has played a major role in building and strengthening interstate relations between Abkhazia and Russia, developing cultural, humanitarian, human contacts between our countries, and developing a legal basis for Abkhaz-Russian cooperation. The two countries are implementing the Treaty on Alliance and Strategic Partnership of November 24, 2014, as well as over 100 agreements in various areas of bilateral cooperation. We are ready for further steps to intensify joint work on specific provisions of the Treaty, intensify cooperation in the field of defense and security, coordinated foreign policy, socio-economic and humanitarian development. Your presence at the opening of the Russian Embassy in Abkhazia, Sergey Viktorovich, is a clear indication of the importance attached by the leadership of Russia to the development and strengthening of relations of alliance and strategic partnership with Abkhazia. We appreciate such attention and, in particular, the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, aimed not only at the development of Abkhaz-Russian relations , but also at strengthening the international positions of the Republic of Abkhazia".

President wished the Ambassador and all the employees of the Embassy great successes in the responsible business of strengthening friendship, alliance and strategic partnership between our countries and assured that they have reliable friends and partners at the RA MFA and in the whole system of executive power. "I am sure that joint work in the interests of the peoples of Abkhazia and Russia will bring even more tangible benefits!" - Raul Khajimba emphasized.

 The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia summed up the ceremony: "Housewarming is always a holiday! When we talk about the diplomat's work, the Embassy is the second house for him. I am confident that it will be the second home not only for diplomats, but for all our friends from the diplomatic corps in Abkhazia".

Sergey Lavrov thanked everyone "who honestly worked to make this impressive project a reality." "I'm sure that this is not a passion for gigantism in architecture. The greatness of the project reflects Russia's attitude towards the fraternal, allied Abkhazian people. And this is our principled position! The Embassy has a short history, as the building is completely new, but it continues the story that began on August 26, 2008, when diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. On a scale of our life this is a short time, from 2008 to today, a little water has flowed under the bridge. But these were the years of joint heroism, struggle for truth, justice. These were years of mutual support and, unfortunately, years of loss. Dmitry and Olga Vyshernevs worked at the Russian Embassy in Abkhazia, who died tragically at the hands of extremists while on duty. I think it will be right if somewhere in the halls of the Embassy there is a place for a memorial plaque with the perpetuation of their memory. It's nice to see veterans here, all our colleagues and everyone who came to our common holiday, " said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.