Abkhazia requests Ecuador to recognise its independence

CARTAHENA (Itar-Tass) - Abkhazia officially requested Ecuador to study the question on recognition of its independence, Abkhazian Deputy Foreign Minister Maxim Gvindzhiya, now on a working visit to Ecuador, told by phone Itar-Tass in an exclusive interview.

“We have forwarded an official letter to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa with a request on recognition of Abkhazia’s independence and some materials on the history of our country and the history of the conflict with Georgia,” the high-ranking diplomat reported.

“The Ecuadorian side are now painstakingly studying the submitted materials and will soon make a statement on this question,” the deputy minister added, but did not specify when a statement is made.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said during his Moscow visit on October 28-30 that his country is ready to examine the question on recognising independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia if such a request is forwarded.

“The visit’s aim is to intensify relations with Ecuador, including establishment of business contacts,” Gvindzhiya said. “Abkhazia is interested in Ecuador’s experience in agriculture as well as in starting deliveries to our country traditional Ecuadorian goods – bananas, coffee and others.”

The Abkhazian delegation held meetings with representatives of the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry and parliament during its visit.

Following its visit to Ecuador, the Abkhazian delegation will go to Venezuela where it plans meetings with secretary-general of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas and representatives of the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.