The President noted in his messages that the Russian Federation’s difficult but correct 2008 decision to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia was decisive for giving these two young countries the chance to choose their own future.
Mr Putin assessed highly the results the two countries have achieved over these last years in state-building and strengthening their democratic institutions, restoring social and economic infrastructure and creating conditions for long term development and raising their peoples’ living standards.
The President said that Russia will continue to provide the two republics with help and support in all areas.
See also
Working visit to Abkhazia
August 25, 2013