Russian president visits breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia
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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Sunday to enhance the political, economic and security cooperation with Abkhazia during a surprise visit to the breakaway Georgian region, two years after Russia fought a brief war with Georgia.
It was the first time that a Russian president visited Abkhazia since Moscow recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in August 2008, the Itar-Tass reported.
"We will develop good relations with Abkhazia, especially in economic and security spheres," Medvedev told Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh.
He said his arrival to Abkhazia on Aug. 8 was symbolic.
"Two years ago, the well-known hard events happened in South Ossetia, prompting a whole host of political processes, including recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent subjects of international law," the Russian president said.
Russia's decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia was "painful" and "not easy," but has been proved to the "right decision over time," he said.
Currently Abkhazia "has every opportunity to become a prosperous country," he noted.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Abkhazia on Aug. 12 last year.
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