Abkhazia working to expand range of states recognizing its independence - ambassador to Russia

SUKHUM. Aug 27 (Interfax) - Abkhazia is working actively towards expanding the range of states recognizing its independence, Abkhaz Ambassador to Russia Alkhas Kvitsinia said.

"Besides Russia, we have been recognized by a number of other states, and we are actively working in this area. The Abkhaz embassy is interacting with various diplomatic missions in Moscow. We have made much headway on that track," Kvitsinia said in the Moscow-Sukhum videoconference marking the 10th anniversary of Russia's recognition of independent Abkhazia on Monday.

He said he could not name those states just yet, as Georgia and its Western partners are hindering the process, he said.

Russia recognized Abkhazia's sovereignty on August 26, 2008, followed by Nicaragua in September that year. Venezuela and Nauru recognized Abkhazia's independence in 2009, Vanuatu did so in 2011, and Syria recognized it in 2018.