The message reads, in part:
“This holiday symbolises the longstanding desire of the Abkhaz people to be in control of their own destiny and to live in peace and harmony with all of their neighbours.
Today, the choice of the Abkhaz people in favour of free, independent development is being consistently brought to reality, the democratic foundations of the government system are being improved, and a large-scale socioeconomic transformation is underway. The success of this process is a most certain way to strengthen international relations of the Republic of Abkhazia and we will continue to provide your nation with help and support in achieving this goal.
We are committed to further developing Russian-Abkhaz bilateral relations, strengthening their legal framework and enriching them with mutually beneficial joint projects. I am confident this fully meets the interests of the peoples of Russia and Abkhazia and contributes to strengthening the region’s security and stability.”