Mintimer Shaimiev meets Prime Minister of Abkhazia Artur Mikvabia

On June 11, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev met Prime Minister of Abkhazia Artur Mikvabia at the Kazan Kremlin.

Shaimiev welcomed the guest and noted that he has to deal with a difficult, long-term task to protect the status of Abkhazia that was determined by the strive of Abkhazian people to stand up for their opinion. He also added that Tatarstan actively cooperates with Abkhazia within the framework of Russia- Abkhazia relations, and the republics have always had friendly relations. The Treaty of friendship and cooperation was signed between the republics in 1994 with the participation of Vladislav Ardzinba, the President of Abkhazia in 1990-2004.

His 70th anniversary was celebrated in Abkhazia this year in May.

Artur Mikvabia handed over to Mintimer Shaimiev a commemorative coin with Vladislav Ardzinba depicted on it that was made especially for this date.

Shaimiev shared his memories about Ardzinba. In the most difficult years of formation of statehood in Tatarstan and Abkhazia they were like-minded people and companions.

Artur Mikvabia said that the current president of Abkhazia Raul Khadzhimby invited him to Abkhazia.