Vladimir Putin arrived in Abkhazia and held talks with President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba.

According to TASS, the investment program of Abkhazia for 2017-2019, aimed at achieving sustainable growth, will amount to 6 billion rubles. Putin recalled that nine years ago Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Since then, he said, "great work has been done and significant results have been achieved in strengthening the statehood of the republics." The Russian leader stressed that the Abkhaz leadership for its part is taking consistent steps aimed at strengthening the international legal right status of the republic.

"Abkhazia is an important partner and ally of Russia, with which we share a common history and spiritual kinship," Putin said. "Russia will continue to promote the socio-economic development of Abkhazia, reliably ensure its security, provide all-round political support."