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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Gunba.

I am very glad to see you.

I want to once again congratulate you and all the people of Abkhazia on the holiday, the Victory Day. You took part in all events yesterday. The people of Abkhazia made a significant contribution to our common victory. As many as 55,500 people took part in the battles and, unfortunately, 17,500 died and did not return from the front. Twenty-three people received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and three were Full Cavaliers of the Order of Glory.

Currently, our relations are based on the treaty on alliance of 2014, and we have created a good, solid legal framework. There is a lot to work on, of course, there are always plenty of problems. You have many tasks in front of you. Of course, after your election as the President, people expect you to work effectively for the good of the people of Abkhazia.

For our part, we are ready to continue cooperation both in the economic and humanitarian areas, including education and health care. And of course, we will contribute in every possible way to the growth of tourist flows – the last year's growth was significant. We expect it to increase by at least seven percent this year, and maybe even more. I know that logistics and the airport are very important. We will talk about it all.

I am very glad to see you.

President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba: Thank you very much, Mr Putin.

Thank you for the opportunity to visit these days the events dedicated to the Great Victory and the Great Patriotic War. This is a special occasion for us. This is our common victory that we hold dear.

Indeed, you have noted it very correctly and rightly: the contribution of our not multiethnic people was significant, including for us. We understand that this is the history that must be protected.

Regrettably, in today's conditions, there is an attempt to twist history. And everything you are doing is also connected with the preservation of history, which is dear to us. In this regard, let me thank you: it is very important for us to take part in these events and activities.

As for Russian-Abkhazian relations, they are developing dynamically. Just at the last meeting, you gave a number of instructions, which were implemented promptly and timely.

The implementation of such infrastructural project as opening the airport, which did not work for 32 years, was very important for us. Today, the air service between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia has been restored.

A number of key instructions on support for pensioners and issuance of driving licenses – what we asked for last time – they are being implemented.

Special thanks from the people of Abkhazia – personally to you and the people of the Russian Federation – for your attitude to our Republic, for its security and preservation of peace in our land.

Mr Putin, I want to avail myself of this opportunity to invite you on my own behalf and behalf of the Abkhazian people to our Republic at any time convenient to you. We are sincerely looking forward to seeing you – we hope that you will accept this invitation.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, with pleasure. You and I will decide on it later.

Badra Gunba: Thank you very much again, thank you for the meeting.

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