“Dear workers of the Abkhaz state television! I sincerely congratulate you on the 42nd anniversary of the Abkhaz television.

November 6, 1978 is a significant day in the modern history of Abkhazia. On that day the Abkhaz television went on air for the first time.

The broadcasting of the first program became possible thanks to the national liberation movement of the Abkhaz people, their struggle to expand their rights.

The creation of national television meant much more than just a single media outlet.

Abkhazian television has become a kind of people's mouthpiece, one of the most important means of developing the national language and culture.

I would especially like to note the role played by the Abkhaz television and its workers during the War of Abkhazia in 1992-1993. Despite the fact that almost all the technical equipment necessary for work remained in the enemy-occupied Sukhum, the employees of the Abkhaz television managed to go on the air in a short time.

The materials prepared by them raised the spirit of the Abkhaz fighters who fought at front.

We will always remember the television workers who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Abkhazia.

There are many different media outlets in Abkhazia today. New TV channels are being created, the Internet is widely used. Despite this, the Abkhaz television occupies a special place in the life of our people.

Recently, tangible changes for the better have been taking place on Abkhaz television. A lot of new programs have appeared, topical issues are discussed, new technologies are being applied.

I congratulate everyone who worked on Abkhaz television in different years. Those who work on television today, I wish the audience's love, great creative success, happiness and family well-being.

Best regards,

President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania.