Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Abkhazia

On April 18-19, 2017, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, paid his fourth visit to Abkhazia after the 2008 Russia-Georgia August War. His previous visit to Abkhazia took place in 2011. This time, the main purpose of the visit was to open the new Russian “Embassy” building in Abkhazia. However, non-formal reasons of the visit also included getting acquainted with the leaders of the Parliament elected as a result of March 12, 2017 illegitimate elections, as well as presenting new Russian “Ambassador” to Abkhazians. 

From the Abkhazian side, Lavrov was met at the airport by de facto President, Raul Khajimba, de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, Daur Kove, de facto Ambassador of Abkhazia to Russia, Igor Akhba while from the Russian side he was met by the “Ambassador” of Russia to Abkhazia, Semion Gregoriev. Lavrov was met at the airport traditionally – with a horn and wine. Soon after his arrival, Lavrov opened the new Russian “Embassy” building complex, which had already been functioning for practically a month.

The “Embassy” was opened in Sokhumi center, next to the Park of Glory. The construction of the complex started in 2013 while the land plot was turned over to Russia back in 2008. As a result of the opening of the new complex, Russian “Embassy” and “Consulate” will be working in the same complex. Prior to this, the “Embassy” was located in the former headquarters of CIS peacekeeping forces, on the territory of Sukhumi sanatorium. 

With regard to the opening of the “Embassy” Lavrov stated that “the building is located in the central part of the city, which creates a very comfortable environment for the employees. The fact that we have opened such a large “Embassy” in Abkhazia further underlines our alliance”. Khajimba, in his turn, stated that “the opening of the “Embassy” is the confirmation of how Abkhazia and Russia are developing their relations”. 

On the second day of the visit, April 19, Lavrov started by visiting the glory memorial in Sokhumi, after which he had negotiations with Khajimba and Kove. At the meeting with Khajimba, Lavrov stated that “the participation in Geneva discussions must continue actively, as it slowly, but surely delivers results. I am convinced that signing a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force is quite realistic in the near future, which will be an important signal for the whole Caucasus region”. 

During the visit Lavrov focused on the issues of security. About the possibility of Abkhazia’s cooperation with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Lavrov stated that “Russia welcomes such cooperation; however, this requires the consent of all member states of the organization. The organization is determined to ensure the security of its member states, while in the case of Abkhazia, its security is ensured by Russian armed forces, in cooperation with Abkhazian armed forces”.

About the simplified procedures of getting Russian citizenship for Abkhazian citizens, Lavrov stated that the project of the respective agreement had been given to the Abkhazian side a year before. Khajimba responded that the project was being considered by the government and would be presented to the Parliament as well.

On transporting cargo through Abkhazia, Lavrov stated that not only Abkhazia, but Russia is also interested in this. “Russia has no problems with restoring transit. There is legislative base to do this and it can be based on the agreement reached between Russia and WTO in 2011, when Russia became a member of the organization. We know that our Armenian colleagues are interested in transit. Today, the leader of Abkhazia also stated that his country is not against it and now, this is no longer dependent on us, but on the countries through which the transit must pass.” 

During the working visit Lavrov also went to the famous “Brekhalovka” where he tasted coffee with the hosts. After this, Lavrov visited Fasil Iskanderov Russian Drama Theatre, where he observed a photo exhibition of the Theatre’s various plays, captured by Sputnik correspondent Tomas Thaitsuk. Lavrov also managed to see a short excerpt from one of the plays. 

According to the information disseminated in the media, Lavrov was also supposed to present the candidate for the new Russian “Ambassador” to the Abkhazian political elite; however, the name of the substitute for the incumbent “Ambassador” Semion Gregoriev was not voiced during the visit.