Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived on Sunday in Abkhazia on the first ever visit by the head of the Russian state since Russia recognized the independence of the former Georgian republic two years ago.
At his meeting with Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh, Medvedev said that Russia would develop comprehensive relations with Abkhazia.
"We'll be developing good relations with Abkhazia, we'll be developing economic relations and relations in the sphere of security," Medvedev said during his brief visit to the former Georgian republic.
Long-standing tensions between Russia and the former Soviet republic of Georgia turned violent during a five-day war in August 2008.
The war started in the early hours of August 8 when Georgia launched a military offensive against South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia reacted swiftly, expelling Georgian troops from South Ossetia and forcing them deep into Georgia amid accusations on both sides of human right abuses. RIA Novosti
