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In particular, the meeting addressed the possibility and necessity of signing a new agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between Russia and Abkhazia by the end of this year. The goal of the new agreement is to qualitatively increase the level of integration between the two sovereign states.

In addition, the two leaders discussed Russia’s readiness to increase financial aid to Abkhazia and assist in attracting major Russian investors to the republic.

Raul Khadjimba was the winner in the August 24 early presidential election in Abkhazia.

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Beginning of meeting with President of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Khadjimba, I am very happy to see you.

I already had the pleasure of congratulating you on your election to the post of President of Abkhazia, and it is my pleasure to do so again in person. We have known each other for a very long time and I want to wish you success.

I know that you are a proponent of expanding the relations between Abkhazia and Russia and deepening integration processes: this concerns defence, security, law enforcement activities and fighting crime, as well as the economy and the social sector.

I fully agree with you that we must do everything we can to achieve the implementation of new standards in medical care, pension services, and resolving many other vital, important issues and challenges whose resolution has long been awaited by the people of Abkhazia.

I am very happy to see you. Welcome!

President of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba: Thank you.

I am grateful that you have found the time to meet with me. The questions we raised are important for the small nation of Abkhazia, and we have no doubt that they will gather momentum.

With regard to matters relating to defence, the state border and socioeconomic issues, we have our own proposals, and they are within the Russian side’s line of vision, so to speak. As we move forward on these issues, we are ready to continue our dialogue and talk about these topics. I think that they will develop positively.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

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