A meeting between South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev and President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, took place, the presidential press service reports.
The President warmly welcomed Badra Gunba and members of the Abkhaz delegation, noting the significance of their visit during the anniversary celebrations.
"I am glad to see you in South Ossetia. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for such a representative delegation coming to the Republic to share this celebration with us. Over these 35 years, the people of South Ossetia, like the people of fraternal Abkhazia, have endured pain and tragedy, trials and victories. Today, thanks to our joint efforts and the support of our strategic partner, the Russian Federation, there is peace in our land, and our children no longer hear gunshots," Alan Gagloev said.
He has emphasized that relations between the two republics are based on brotherhood and mutual respect:
"The executive and legislative branches of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are strengthening the relations that have developed between our peoples. We always rejoice at each other's successes and value the fraternal relationship that exists between our states. We always welcome guests from Abkhazia and are ready to further deepen cooperation in all areas," the South Ossetian leader said.
In turn, Badra Gunba congratulated the people of South Ossetia on the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic:
"On behalf of the people of Abkhazia and our entire delegation, allow me to congratulate you on this significant date. South Ossetia has undergone a very difficult path to development, and we remember well the price paid for independence. Thanks to the courage and heroism of its defenders in 2008, South Ossetia is today a recognized sovereign state," he said.
President of the Republic of Abkhazia noted the high level of cooperation between the two republics and the need for further cooperation:
"We recognize the exceptional level of our relations and see potential for their further development. More than 40 agreements have already been signed between our countries, and our task is to fill them with concrete content. This is in the interests of our peoples, and we will make additional efforts to implement them," he has emphasized.
At the end of the meeting, Alan Gagloev awarded Badru Gunba the Order of Friendship for his significant personal contribution to the development of cooperation between South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Members of the Abkhaz delegation were awarded medals "In Commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Republic of South Ossetia."
The meeting was also attended by Ibrahim Gasseyv, Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies, and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Republic of South Ossetia; Vladimir Delba, Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia; Lasha Ashuba, Speaker of the People's Assembly of the Republic of Abkhazia; Timur Agrba, Head of the Sukhum City Administration; Anri Bartsits, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Abkhaza; and other officials.
