Abkhazia–South Ossetia relations

Abkhazia – South Ossetia relations refers to bilateral foreign relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia, whose international status is disputed - they are both considered part of Georgia by the majority of the world's states. Abkhazia and South Ossetia recognized each others' independence on November 17, 2006. On 15 April 2008 South Ossetia opened its embassy in Abkhazia's capital Sukhumi.^[1]

In recent years, the governments of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been working closely together in search of more international recognition. The leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have also signed a mutual defense pact, stating that in case either country is attacked, the other must become involved in the other's defense.^[2] During the 2008 South Ossetia war, Abkhazian soldiers and volunteers backed by Russian paratroopers drove Georgian troops from their last stronghold in Abkhazia's Kodori Valley while Russian and South Ossetian forces were engaged in heavy combat with Georgian forces.

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