On November 18, 2009 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, Sergei Shamba, met representatives of the Parliament of Belarus.
Parliamentarians expressed particular gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality showed by Abkhaz side during the visit of the delegation of the Republic of Belarus in Abkhazia. Significant socio-economic transformations in the Republic and dynamic rates of its development were also highlighted.
According to guests, the current visit is aimed at establishing of inter-parliamentary relations, and exploration of economic situation in the Republic, as well as possibilities for recognition of independence of the Republic of Abkhazia, in accordance with the request of the Parliament of Abkhazia. Following the visit recommendations for the Parliament and the President of Belarus will be prepared and a common position on this issue will be elaborated.
In his turn, Sergei Shamba announced about Abkhaz side's interest in development of bilateral relations with the Republic of Belarus in all directions. The Minister provided guests with historical and legal materials which ground Abkhazian position on independence.
In addition, Minister informed guests about the history of national liberation struggle of the people of Abkhazia for independence and development of negotiations process with Georgia.
According to Shamba, Abkhazia is aimed at building of independent, democratic and economically developed state, socially oriented and able to ensure safety of its citizens. He also thanked the parliamentarians for the visit to Abkhazia and expressed hope for an early recognition of independence of Abkhazia by Belarus.
