Foreign Minister Bartsits Hosts Abkhaz Diaspora Delegation from Türkiye
Strengthening diaspora links discussed in meeting between Bartsits and delegation.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Abkhazia’s foreign minister Oleg Bartsits has met a delegation of Abkhaz diaspora representatives from Türkiye, led by the newly elected head of the Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centres, Yavuz Atryshba.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr Bartsits congratulated Mr Atryshba on his election and praised his role during the 1992–93 conflict.
“We are pleased to welcome you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia. Let me congratulate Yavuz Atryshba on being elected head of the Federation of Abkhaz cultural centres. During the most difficult period of the war, he stood alongside his people, and I am confident he will now lead the Federation with dignity, strengthening ties between the diaspora and the historical homeland,” the minister said.
Mr Bartsits highlighted the importance of cooperation with AbkhazFed and the official representation of Abkhazia in Türkiye.
“The Foreign Ministry places great importance on joint work with the Federation and the Representation. It matters to us how our compatriots in Türkiye perceive developments in Abkhazia, how informed they are about the achievements of the historical homeland, the strengthening of its statehood, and its relations with our strategic ally, the Russian Federation,” he said.
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Mr Atryshba thanked the minister for the reception, saying he was pleased to be in Abkhazia and ready to work for the benefit of the Abkhaz people.
“I am confident we will develop fruitful cooperation,” he said.
The authorised representative of Abkhazia in Türkiye, Ibrahim Avidzba, said the Representation, the Federation and the ministry had significant work ahead to facilitate the return of Abkhaz compatriots to their homeland, and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
The Federation of Abkhazian Cultural Centres is a key organisation in Türkiye, bringing together 21 cultural associations. Its work focuses on uniting the Abkhaz-Abazin diaspora, supporting the preservation of their cultural identity and sustaining ties with their historical homeland.
Türkiye, Abkhazia’s second largest trading partner, is home to the world’s largest Abkhaz diaspora, estimated at around 500,000 people.