Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – President Bashar al-Assad received on Monday President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania who heads a senior official delegation on five-day visit to the Syrian Arab Republic.
Presidents al-Assad and Bzhania held two comprehensive and bilateral session of talks during which they discussed domains of bilateral cooperation and prospects of its development, and joint work in order to move forward towards a new stage of boosting and bolstering relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic field , exchanging scientific and scholarship missions.
The two sides stressed that bilateral relations are based on a solid basis of factors that gather Syria and Abkhazia in terms of their adherence to independent decision, and their resistance against colonial domination despite the blockade and wars to which the two countries are exposed in addition to the military, economic and political terrorism.
Talks also dealt with several issues of political concern, the situation in Syria and Abkhazia, the pressures they encounter, the massacres committed by “Israel” in the Palestinian territories, and its continuous violations of the Palestinians’ rights, in addition to situation in Ukraine and Republic of Crimea, and attempts of Western states to escalate tension against Russia in these two files.
In a press statement following the talks, President al-Assad said “I would like to affirm that prospects of cooperation between the two countries are very wide for the existence of many factors that support this cooperation, on top, the common social factors… in Syria, there is an old Abkhazian community since two centuries which has always been a basic part of the Syrian social structure. This community has contributed to building Syria and defending it in the war that we have carried out since 10 years and have offered martyrs too, we have Armenians who are present in both countries… we have common Russian families in Syria, not are hundreds, but some thousands.”
President al-Assad added “So, there are common social elements that form a natural bridge for this cooperation, Abkhazia has stood by Syria in its war against terrorism, and Syria has stood by Abkhazia in its right and the right of its people in self-determination, independence and recognition like any other country in the world.”
“I have briefed President of Abkhazia on what is going on in the Palestinian territories of an Israeli aggression and stressed that Israel terrorizes the Palestinian people and assaults their rights and the rights of others,” President al-Assad said.
The President added “This visit will be important, first for the agreements that will be signed… second, for the topics that will be discussed through the joint committee and through the common will of the two states and people.”
President of Abkhazia, for his part, said “Mr. President, I would like to express my appreciation for this hospitality and the warm welcome that I have received, I wish the Syrian people to have peace, stability and prosperity and I am sure that all targets that you plan will be achieved.”
“I am very thankful because Syria has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and this opens the way for us in large domains of cooperation… my visit today will be a momentum to achieve actual outcomes regarding economy, culture, social and even in educational domains, thank you,” President Bzhania added.
An official reception ceremony was held for President of Abkhazia upon his arrival at the People’s Palace where he was received by President al-Assad.
Later, the national anthems of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Syrian Arab Republic were played.
President Bzhania visited on Monday morning, the martyr’s monument at Qassioun Mountain, and laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
President of Abkhazia arrived in Damascus on Sunday evening on an official visit that will last for several days.
On October 6th, 2020, Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia was opened in Damascus to enhance and boost bilateral relations in all domains.
Hybah/ Nisreen / Mazen Eyon
