Abkhazia |
Venezuela |
Abkhazia–Venezuela relations refers to bilateral relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and Venezuela. Venezuela recognised Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, on 10 September 2009, almost ten years after the country declared independence from Georgia in 1999.[1] Venezuela was the third state to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, after Russia and Nicaragua.[2]
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that his government recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia when he was hosted by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow. Chávez also announced that formal diplomatic relations would be established with both republics.[3] Chávez had previously defended Russia's recognition of the two republics, saying "Russia has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We support Russia. Russia is right and is defending its interests."[4]
Following the announcement of recognition, Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh responded: "We have always looked to Venezuela and some other Latin American countries with hope. An Abkhazian delegation is now in Caracas after visiting Cuba and Nicaragua, where they received a warm welcome and support."[5] The Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision by the Venezuelan government, referring to President Chávez as a "dictator" in an official statement made later on the same day.[6]
A meeting between the two governments' deputy foreign ministers in September 2009 reportedly focused on political and economic cooperation. Abkhazia has requested that Venezuela create a platform for lobbying the recognition of Abkhazia's independence in Latin America.[7]
Bagapsh announced that he will lead a delegation of officials in a visit to both Venezuela and Nicaragua in July 2010. The visit is aimed at promoting international recognition and expanding relations within Latin America and the Caribbean. Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergei Shamba said, "We believe that countries that respect the authority of Chavez as a regional leader will follow suit."[8][9] Abkhaz president Sergei Bagapsh invited Venezolan oil producer PdVSA to invest in Abkhazia - this was seen as an attempt to lessen the Abkhaz dependence to Russia.[10]
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Venezuela Hugo Jose Garcia Hernandez presented his credentials to the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh, July 12th 2010.[11]
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