On October 16, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, Oleg Bartsits, participated in a meeting between the Rector of Abkhazian State University, Aleko Gvaramiya, and a delegation from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which took place during the second stage of the Abkhazian-Russian Youth Cross-Forum.

Welcoming the participants, Oleg Bartsits spoke highly of preparation and organization of the first stage of the Forum, which was held in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic this May.

The Minister emphasized the historical commonality and strong fraternal ties between the peoples of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, noting the particular importance of mutual support and solidarity during the most challenging periods of their history.

"There is a genetic memory, an understanding of shared historical values—but this must be nurtured and cultivated. And that is precisely what we are working on together today," he stressed.

Oleg Bartsits outlined plans for the further development of cooperation with the republics of the North Caucasus, noting that this initiative is supported by the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba. The Foreign Minister expressed his confidence that the Forum would help strengthen ties between the youth of Abkhazia and the republics of the North Caucasus, as well as foster the development of joint initiatives.

"Our young people are active, competent, and ambitious—in the best sense of the word—and are capable of achieving great success together. We view our own success only in terms of what we achieve together. We do not separate ourselves from our fraternal peoples of the North Caucasus," the Minister emphasized.

Oleg Bartsits thanked the Rector of Abkhazian State University, Aleko Gvaramiya, for his contribution to the development of educational and humanitarian ties, reaffirming the Foreign Ministry’s readiness to continue implementing joint projects, including those involving the republics of the North Caucasus.

"We have an extensive program in collaboration with Abkhazian State University, under the attentive yet firm leadership of Aleko Alekseyevich Gvaramiya. There are educational frameworks in place that allow young people—for instance, from the Syrian Arab Republic—to come here and receive a first-class education," the Minister noted.