Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA- President Bashar al-Assad received on Tuesday President of Abkhazia Republic Raul Khajimba who chairs a high-level official delegation on a four-day visit to Syria.
The two presidents held a session of expanded talks, during which the two sides asserted that this visit is the cornerstone for the development of bilateral relations up to the interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples.
During the meeting, President al-Assad congratulated President Khajimba on the 10th anniversary of Abkhazia’s Independence Day. The President said that the agreement of both sides in the political stances has to go altogether with activating and enhancing economic, social and cultural relations.
President al-Assad pointed out that the agreements that will be signed during this visit constitute a basis for building strong relations on different levels.
In turn, President Khajimba thanked and appreciated Syria’s courageous resolution to recognize the sovereignty and independence of Abkhazia.
He reiterated its country’s solidarity with the Syrian people and its leadership in confronting terrorism to which the country is exposed.
President Khajimba also expressed confidence in the Syrians’ ability to restore security and safety and defeat anyone who does not want peace to Syria.
At the conclusion of the talks, 
the two presidents signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of Abkhazia.
An official reception ceremony was held upon the arrival of the Abkhazian President at the People’s Palace as President al-Assad welcomed him.
The national anthems of both countries were played before the two leaders reviewed the Guard of Honor, then they shook hands with members of the two official delegations.
The senior Abkhazian delegation comprises Prime Minister Gennady Gagulia, Director of the Abkhazian 
Presidency Beslan Bartsits, Secretary of Abkhazia’s Security Council Mohamed Kilba, Foreign Minister Daur Kove, Defense Minister Mirab Kishmaria and Economy Minister Adgur Ardzinba.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Imad Khamis, Defense Minister Maj.Gen Ali Abdullah Ayoub, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem, Chief of the National Security Bureau Major General Ali al-Mamlouk, Higher Education Minister Atef Naddaf, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Samir Khalil and Presidential Political and Media Adviser, Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban.
Manar al-Freih/ Mazen
