The Defense Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia, Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Gasseev, addressed a solemn meeting in honor of the 25th anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people.
The event was held today in Sukhum with the participation of the President of Abkhazia Raul Khadzhimba, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Abkhazia Mirab Kishmaria, the command staff of the Ministry and invited guests.
Ibrahim Gasseev congratulated the participants of the event on behalf of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, the people of the Republic.
He has noted that this great holiday became the personification of courage, freedom and heroism.
"The day of September 30, 1993 is a symbol of heroism of the brotherly Abkhazian people, a model of the great achievement of all the defenders of the Fatherland in the name of the triumph of the ideals of freedom and independence," he said.
The historical realities of the early 90s of the last century, according to Gasseev, were such that the smaller nations of the once great country were left to the mercy of fate, thrown to the merciless and cruel enemy.
"But the Abkhazian people showed the best qualities in these fateful, critical years of their history, mobilizing all their forces and means to counteract the aggressor," the minister stressed.
Gasseev has noted that the Abkhazian people brought innumerable sacrifices to the altar of victory, but hoisted the banner of victory over the city-hero Sukhum.
"I can proudly say that our volunteers from South Ossetia took an active part in the fighting. This further strengthened the historical community of our peoples, contributed to the further development of the military brotherhood and partnership in arms. But most importantly, the joint fulfillment of combat missions instilled an unshakable confidence in the success, "added the Defense Minister.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Abkhazia for the invitation to participate in the military parade in commemoration of this date.
He has stressed that the Republic of Abkhazia is a free and independent state, the sovereignty of which is recognized by the Russian Federation, a number of other states of the international community.
"Abkhazia is focused on the future. There is a development of society and the state, the national economy, the standard of living and social security of citizens are constantly rising, "the Minister added.
Ibrahim Gasseev also noted the positive changes.
"In each of my visits to the Abkhaz brothers, I see positive changes, dynamics in development, forward movement towards a better future. It is obvious and unquestionable, " he said.
Addressing the President of Abkhazia, the Defense Minister wished the fraternal people all the best.
"Dear Mr.Khadzhimba! On behalf of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov and the people of South Ossetia, let me wish the brotherly Abkhazian people peace prosperity and abundance! Let the guiding star, which laid the difficult road to Victory in the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people, continue to be a beacon of freedom and independence of the Republic of Abkhazia! "Ibrahim Gasseev said at the end of his speech.
The event was addressed by Abkhaz President Raul Khadzhimba, Defense Minister Mirab Kishmaria, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Abkhazia Alexei Dvinyanin and other officials.
Then took place f solemn ceremony of presenting state awards.
President of Abkhazia presented state awards to a number of representatives of the Defense Ministry of Abkhazia. The departmental awards of the Abkhaz Defense Ministry were also presented.
By the order of Defense Minister Ibrahim Gasseev, a number of servicemen of the command staff of the Ministry of the RA were presented departmental awards of the Defense Ministry of the RSO. Medals were also awarded by the Minister on stage in a solemn atmosphere.
The solemn meeting ended with a festive concert.
