Prepared by Messenger Staff
Putin Ratifies Development Agreement With Occupied Abkhazia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified an agreement to support occupied Abkhazia's 2026-2030 state program for socio-economic development, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
The agreement, signed in Moscow on December 27, 2025, aims to expand socio-economic cooperation, improve living standards in occupied Abkhazia and increase economic and investment activity.
RIA Novosti reported that Russian funding may be used to support education, youth policy, child welfare, culture and tourism. It may also finance salary increases and social benefits for employees of Abkhazia's de facto emergency service, prosecutor's office and security service. Under the agreement, the de facto authorities will also provide medications to Russian citizens permanently residing in occupied Abkhazia.
Separately, Russian state news agency TASS reported on August 4 that Putin ratified another agreement with the occupied region on the mutual recognition of academic degrees.
The agreement, signed on December 18, 2025, provides for the recognition of academic degrees awarded in Russia and occupied Abkhazia, allowing degree holders to continue their studies and seek employment in both territories.
Georgia Seeks Diplomatic Ties With Nauru After It Ends Relations With Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze welcomed Nauru's decision to terminate diplomatic relations with the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, saying it reinforces international support for Georgia's territorial integrity.
Speaking at a government meeting on August 5, Kobakhidze said Nauru's July 21 decision "once again confirms that respect for and observance of the norms of international law is the basis of healthy international relations."
He said Georgia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Nauru and expand cooperation.
Kobakhidze also thanked Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and Georgian diplomats for advancing the country's non-recognition policy.
"I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Maka Bochorishvili, and each diplomat who is working to implement a successful non-recognition policy," he said.
