Russia will help Abkhazia develop contacts with its closest neighbors, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
“[I] am sure that relations between Russia and Abkhazia will develop in all directions, [we] will assist also in the development of our international contacts with all states, including the closest neighbors,” Putin said.
“Time will heal all wounds, I hope all relations between the Abkhaz and Georgian people will recover,” Putin said.
Bagapsh, 62, died on May 29 after undergoing surgery on his right lung at a Moscow clinic. A mourning ceremony was held in Moscow, after which his remains were flown to Abkhazia.
Abkhazia and another Georgian breakaway republic, South Ossetia, were recognized by Russia as independent states in 2008 following a five-day war, which started when Georgia attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control.
Four other countries, Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny Pacific island nations of Nauru and Vanuatu, have followed Russia’s suit. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.
SUKHUMI, June 2 (RIA Novosti)