Publication:  N55 / Review period:  July 1-31, 2023 / Author: Arsen Araqelov

Overview of the Kremlin Policy in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region is being prepared within the framework of the project - Roadmap to Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. The purpose of the publication is to review important developments related to Russia’s policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. The review is a monthly publication and will be useful for everyone – decision-makers, public employees, media representatives and other people who are interested in the Kremlin policy in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Visits and Meetings

Maxim Reshetnikov's Visit

On July 4, as part of his working visit to the occupied Abkhazia, the Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Maxim Reshetnikov, met with the de facto President, Aslan Bzhania. Reshetnikov visited Gagra, Gudauta and Gulrifsh districts, where construction works are underway within the Russian-financed investment program.

On July 5, Reshetnikov met with the de facto Prime Minister, Alexander Ankvab. At the meeting, the parties discussed the prospect of restoring the Sokhumi airport, the condition of the Alakhadzi electric substation, and the construction process of the Moscow Resort hotel in Bichvinta which is being built with the involvement of a Russian businessman, the former governor of the Krasnodar region. As planned the hotel will be opened in 2026. According to Reshetnikov, the reconstruction of facilities will lead to an increase in the flow of tourists to Abkhazia. For information, over a million tourists visited the occupied Abkhazia last year.

Meeting Between Alexander Ankvab and Maxim Reshetnikov

Interagency Meeting of the Ministries of Internal Affairs

An interagency meeting was held between the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Krasnodar region of Russia and the Law Enforcement Agency of the Federal Territory Sirius. The meeting was attended by the de facto Minister of Internal Affairs, Robert Kiut, the Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Krasnodar region, Sergey Ogurtsov, and the Head of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Federal Territory Sirius, Alexander Kulikov. The meeting discussed the situation at the so-called border, threats and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Agreements

Ratification of the Dual Citizenship Agreement

On July 5, the Council of the Russian Federation ratified an agreement, which provides for granting dual citizenship to the “citizens” of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia. On July 10, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, signed the agreement. Persons with dual citizenship will use the services of the state where they reside. The agreement was signed on September 27, 2022.

Memorandum Between the Moscow and the de facto Sokhumi Governments

On July 8, the de facto Administration of Sokhumi and the Government of Moscow signed a cooperation memorandum which provides for sharing of experience in various fields and strengthening of trade and economic relations.

Agreement Between the Commissioners for Human Rights of Abkhazia and Russia

The Commissioners for Human Rights of Russia and the de facto republic of Abkhazia, Tatiana Moskalkova and Anas Kishmaria, signed a mutual understanding agreement. The agreement provides for cooperation in the field of protecting the rights of minors, ethnically Russian residents of the occupied Abkhazia, as well as “citizens” of the de facto republic living in Russia and, within the competence, review their complaints.

Memorandum Between the Chambers of Control and Accounts

The Chambers of Controls and Accounts of the occupied Tskhinvali region and the Republic of Bashkortostan signed a cooperation memorandum which envisages sharing of experience and mutual support.

“Order of Honor” to Grigory Karasin

Konstantin Kochiev, the Adviser to the de facto President of the Tskhinvali region awarded Grigory Karasin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian Federation, the “Order of Honor of South Ossetia.”

Grigory Karasin with the “Order of Honor”

Seeing off Sergey Skvortsov

Sergey Skvortsov, the Head of the representation office of the Federal Agency for CIS States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Tskhinvali region, completed his 5-year tenure in the occupied region.

The de facto President of the region, Alan Gagloyev, expressed gratitude to Skvortsov for his work and awarded him the “Order of Friendship” for strengthening friendly relations between Russia and the region.

Seeing off Sergey Skvortsov