The full text of the message reads:
“It was with profound sorrow that I learned that President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh has passed away.
He was a wise politician who made a vivid impression, a decisive man of will, and a true patriot of Abkhazia. He made an indisputable personal contribution to consolidating Abkhazia’s independence and its socioeconomic development, helping it to take shape as a sovereign actor in international relations.
Sergei Bagapsh was a committed supporter of friendship and alliance with Russia, and worked tirelessly to deepen the close bilateral ties between our two countries.
At this hour of great loss, please convey my sincere condolences to the people of Abkhazia and my words of support and sympathy to the family of Bagapsh.
Sergei Bagapsh’s warm memory will live on forever in our hearts.”