Minister expressed confidence that bilateral military partnership will contribute to peace and prosperity of Abkhazia.

"We are glad to see the Abkhazian friends participate in the International Army Games. These competitions are one of the forms of combat training that has proven its effectiveness," Shoygu said. He wished the teams of the republic successful performances.

Teams of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia are participating in the International Army Games in four competitions: Tank Biathlon, Master-Gunsmith, Field Kitchen and Emergency Region, as well as in national cultures festival "Friendship of Peoples".

Cooperation with Abkhazia

Shoygu said that Russia provides Abkhazia all-round assistance in ensuring military security and developing statehood.

"Abkhazia is our ally and strategic partner in the Transcaucasus. We appreciate the consistent line of the military-political activities of your country on expanding cooperation with Russia in the military sphere. We continue to provide Abkhazia with comprehensive assistance in developing statehood and ensuring military security," Shoygu said.

According to him, both states jointly form a common defense space, one of the important elements of which is a united Russian military base on the territory of Abkhazia.

"We pay special attention to maintaining its combat readiness and solving issues of daily activities. We continue to work on the implementation of the agreement on alliance and strategic partnership between Russia and Abkhazia ," said Russian Defense Minister.

Partners, neighbors and friends

He noted that he was glad to welcome his colleague to the Army-2020 forum. "This is the largest exhibition of weapons and military equipment. Techniques and weapons, which are mostly tested in battle, have been improved. Naturally, there is a lot of new things that have yet to be tested and put into service," Shoygu said.

Minister stressed that Russia and Abkhazia are linked by neighborly, friendly and partner relations.

"Our relationship is understandable and well known. We are partners, neighbors, and friends. We build all the work basing on this. I hope that today's exhibition and army games, where the best military personnel show their skills, will bring significant benefits in ensuring security in region, " minister said.

He called the training of military personnel for the Armed Forces of Abkhazia an important area of ​​cooperation. He also noted that this year has been challenging due to coronavirus pandemic. "We were forced to finish the school year ahead of schedule," Shoygu said.

He recalled that the Russian Ministry of Defense, at the request of the Abkhaz side, provided assistance to the republic in the fight against Covid-19. On April 17, 2020, 35 military personnel and 13 units of weapons and military equipment were sent to Abkhazia to carry out disinfection treatment of healthcare institutions, streets and roads. The Russian unit disinfected socially significant facilities in the settlements of Gudauta, Agudzera, Ochamchira, Tkuarchal, Gal, Gagra.