On March 25, a delegation of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development visited the de facto Republic of Abkhazia. The delegation included the Deputy Director of the Department for Special Programs and Projects of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Anton Melnik, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Dmitry Volvach.

The delegation got acquainted with the ongoing and completed works under the 2023-2025 investment program developed by the Russian government to support the socio-economic development of the de facto republic.

Melnik drew attention to the reconstruction work underway on the territory of Sokhumi Airport which is being carried out by a company of Rashid Nurgaliev, the son of the Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council. Reportedly, technical flights from the airport will start no later than July 2024, and the airport will be fully operational on December 31, 2024. Melnik also confirmed the above and added that the first test flight from Russia to Sokhumi Airport will occur this year. He noted that RUB 12 billion was invested in the airport restoration project. Volvach on his part noted that the de facto republic will receive a RUB 5.6 billion financial assistance from Russia in 2024.

In addition, the parties confirmed the 2024-25 plan for the ratification of “legislation” whose one of the goals is to ensure appropriate conditions and security guarantees for Russian private investors in Abkhazia.