On August 6, 2019, in Sochi, Raul Khajimba, de facto President of Abkhazia, met with Vladimir Putin, President of Russian Federation, and discussed prospects for enhancing joint socio-economic cooperation.

During the meeting, Putin paid special attention to illegitimate presidential elections in Abkhazia, which will be held on August 25, 2019. Putin expecting that „elections will be held in strict accordance with democratic principles and will contribute to further stabilization. “

At the meeting with the Russian President Khajimba reviewed implementation of ongoing projects financed by Russia under investment program promoting socio-economic development of Abkhazia, including construction-rehabilitation of socially important facilities (schools, preschool institutions), improvement of energy system and road construction. Khajimba highlighted ongoing works in the field of defence agencies and law enforcement structures. Khajimba also mentioned progress of works in direction of transport communication (sea and air traffic).

Khajimba meeting with Putin during pre-election period might be considered as Kremlin’s support for his candidacy. Considering pre-election context, it is noteworthy that on July 31, Vladislav Surkov, Assistant to Putin, also visited Abkhazia. He is the Kremlin curator to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

In the rank of de facto president, this is Khajimba’s 6th meeting with Putin since 2014

Khajimba-Putin meetings chronology

• On November 24, 2014, Khajimba met with Putin in Sochi. In the rank of de facto president, this was Khajimba’s first official meeting with Putin. At the meeting agreement on alliance and strategic partnership was signed between de facto Republic of Abkhazia and Russian Federation.

• On May 15, 2015, Khajimba met with Putin in Sochi. At the meeting issues of inter-relation in the fields of trade-economy, law enforcement and investment were reviewed. Parties discussed implementation of agreement signed on November 24, 2014, between de facto Republic of Abkhazia and Russian Federation on alliance and strategic partnership.

• On February 18, 2016, Khajimba met with Putin in Moscow. At the meeting issues of cooperation in the field of economy and security were discussed.
• On August 8, 2017, Khajimba met with Putin in Pitsunda. Within the framework of the meeting agreement was signed on cooperation in the field of organizing compulsory medical insurance for Russian citizens permanently residing in Abkhazia.

• On November 21, 2018, Khajimba met with Putin in Sochi. At the meeting development of bilateral cooperation was discussed, including banking, new prison construction and assistance in the field of agriculture.