L. Lakerbaia presented Viacheslav Chirikba, their new head, to the staff of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Abkhazia

SUKHUM -- Prime Minister Leonid Lakerbaia presented Viacheslav Chirikba, their new head, to the staff of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Abkhazia.

By decree of the President, V. Chirikba was today appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. Previously, he served as Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Foreign Relations.

"The country’s Foreign Affairs’ Department today faces many challenges. The significance of the Foreign Ministry cannot be overestimated. The main thing is to promote the republic in the international arena and to further the process of the international recognition of Abkhazia. In this direction much has already been done, but there remains lot of work ahead," said Leonid Lakerbaia. On behalf of the leadership of the country, he congratulated V. Chirikba on his appointment and thanked the staff of the Foreign Ministry for their work.

Maxim Gvindzhia, former head of the Foreign Ministry, congratulated Chirikba on his new appointment and wished him success in his work. "Within the Foreign Ministry there is a highly qualified team of experts. With minimal financial possibilities much has been done. I wish success to the new minister," said Gvindzhia.

In his turn, Viacheslav Chirikba expressed his thanks for the confidence placed in him. "I understand the responsibility entrusted to me. The Foreign Minister of Abkhazia enjoys great authority, and I intend to use the experience and knowledge that I hava accrued to perform the tasks assigned to me. My mood is for work, and, unwavering, we now get down to work," he said.