DPR establishes diplomatic relations with Abkhazia
DONETSK. March 9 (Interfax) - Diplomatic relations have been established between Abkhazia and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the DPR Foreign Ministry said.
"Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and the DPR have been established today, on March 9," the DPR Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday.
As reported on February 25, Abkhazia recognized the independence of the DPR and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
"Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania signed the decrees recognizing the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic," the press service for the DPR Foreign Ministry said in the statement.
"Like all citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia, I deem the decision of our ally, the Russian Federation, to recognize the independence [of the DPR and the LPR] as fair from all points of view, and the special military operation that was launched as absolutely justified," Bzhania said on Abkhazian State Television.
"Following the spirit of our friendship with the peoples of the DPR and the LPR, considering it necessary to be involved in their fate in the future as well, sincerely wishing our brothers safe and sustainable development, today I signed the decrees recognizing the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic and the independence of the Luhansk People's Republic," Bzhania said.
The Abkhazian president instructed the government to "begin preparations for the conclusion of interstate treaties on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with the recognized republics, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with them."
In turn, the press service for the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the interstate treaty on friendship and cooperation with the DPR, which is being drafted, "will become the foundation for further elaboration of the contractual and legal framework between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Donetsk People's Republic."
Abkhazia and the DPR "back Russia's policy aimed at demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine," the statement said.
"Abkhazia and the Donetsk People's Republic support aspirations to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, seek to promote the building of peaceful and equal relations and are guided by the intentions to enhance interaction in the interests of the peoples of the two states based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and other universally recognized principles and regulations of international law, primarily the United Nations Charter," the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry said.