The Russian Foreign Ministry says it hopes Abkhazia will fulfill its investment commitments

Russia expects Abkhazia to fulfill its investment commitments within the framework of agreements with Moscow, including harmonization of the legislation of the two countries on the issue of investments. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing on Wednesday, December 25.

"It is obvious that allied relations presuppose a balance of mutual obligations. We assume that Sukhum will also go its part of the way in accordance with <...> [agreements between the countries], including in terms of harmonizing legislation, creating the necessary conditions for Russian investments and so on," she told reporters.

Zakharova added that she hoped the country's early presidential election would be won by a leader who would continue to work on developing bilateral relations with Russia.

Bringing friendship together: Abkhazia will continue to strengthen relations with Russia

How the protests in the republic ended and why they are not directed against Moscow

On November 12, clashes broke out in the capital of Abkhazia near the building of the State Security Service. On November 15, a truck of protesters broke down the gates of the parliament fence, and some protesters entered the territory. On November 19, Aslan Bzhania tendered his resignation as president of the republic, and on the same day Abkhaz Vice-President Badra Gunba became acting head of state.

In September, Russia suspended social payments to teachers, doctors and employees of law enforcement agencies in Abkhazia. At the same time, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba added that at bilateral meetings Abkhazia was repeatedly warned about possible consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations. On December 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Abkhazia were discussing the investment agreement and social payments to the republic's residents.