Tiraspol, 2 May. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The president met Abkhazia's plenipotentiary to Pridnestrovie. Alexander Vataman gave a salutary address by President Raul Khadzhimba to Yevgeniy Shevchuk. The address points out that «the destinies of our states are similar and closely coupled.» «Abkhazia's attitude towards the people of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is inspired with great warmth and deep respect. I am sure that friendly relations between our countries will develop and get stronger," noted Raul Khdzhimba.
In the course of the dialogue the Abkhazian plenipotentiary to Pridnestrovie expressed regret that a member of Abkhazia's official delegation, deputy foreign minister Oleg Arshba, could not personally congratulate the republic on its birthday. Oleg Arshba had been detained in Kishinev airport the day before by Moldova's border police and then had been deported to Abkhazia. «Oleg Arshba is sending his sincerest greetings to Pridnestrovie. He wishes the republic and all Pridnestrovians peaceful skies, a resolution of all their problems," said Alexander Vataman.
As was noted at the meeting, cooperation between the two republics is under way with interagency agreements being drafted at present. Besides, they discussed issues related to the continuation and expansion of cultural and artistic projects, the president's press service reports.
Later today, President Yevgeny Shevchuk held a meeting with the head of the Official Mission of the Republic of South Ossetia, Sergey Surago. Attention was given to prospects for further cooperation between the states.
The president asked the diplomat to convey his compliments to South Ossetia's leadership for their warm greetings on Pridnestrovie's anniversary. South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov's salutary address particularly says: «26 years ago the heroic people of Pridnestrovie realised their inherent right for self-determination by proclaiming the establishment of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. This day has become a symbol of its integrity, aspiration to build an independent democratic state.»
Sergo Surago underscored in his turn: «The establishment of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic 26 years ago was the right choice of the people; the people believe in their republic and hope it will be internationally recognised soon.»
The Pridnestrovian president noted that the people of Pridnestrovie had always appreciated friendly relations with South Ossetia. «Our foreign policy aims at strengthening cooperation with the friendly state," said Yevgeny Shevchuk.
