The head of Abkhazia, Raul Khadjimba, said on Friday that cooperation with Russia in the military sphere would strengthen the defense capability of Abkhazia.
“Our cooperation with Russia in the field of defense, I am sure, will lead to the strengthening of defense capabilities and the creation of conditions so that our joint activities are at a level that would not only indicate our cooperation, but also our readiness to reflect any action directed against our states”, – Khajimba said during a meeting with a delegation of a committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. His words are given on the website of the head of state.
Russian parliamentarians arrived to the republic on a working visit. On Friday, Abkhazia marks the 27th anniversary of the formation of the republic’s armed forces.
The head of the delegation, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia on Defense and Security Alexander Rakitin noted the benevolence of the population of Abkhazia to the Russian military and support from the leadership of the republic.
“We visited both the 7th military base and the border control. We met with the military, saw that they had good social security. They are surrounded not only by the care and attention of their commanders. We feel the support and, most importantly, the goodwill of the population of Abkhazia, the authorities, good interaction with military structures. For us it is very important, and it’s very nice to see and hear all this”, – said Rakitin.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to sign an agreement on financing the Russian Federation of expenses for the modernization of the armed forces of Abkhazia. This agreement will make it possible, among other things, to equip the Abkhaz army with modern types of weapons.