On August 26, the delegation of the Republic of South Ossetia, headed by Foreign Minister Akhsar Dzhioev, attended the gala concert of the International Festival‑Competition “Music of the Proud,” which was held on Freedom Square in Sukhum.
During the event, Akhsar Dzhioev read out a congratulatory address from the Acting President of the Republic of South Ossetia, M. A. Kambolov, to the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, B. Z. Gunba, on the occasion of the Day of International Recognition of Abkhazia.
The congratulatory message, in particular, states:
The day of August 26, 2008, when the Russian Federation officially recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, is truly an epoch‑making date in the history of our countries’ statehood. This historic decision will forever remain in the hearts of our peoples as a symbol of the triumph of justice and respect for the will of the people, who, through their determination, resilience, and self‑sacrifice, have proven their right to the land of their ancestors and to self‑determination.
Thanks to Russia’s support, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, for the first time in a long while, have gained the opportunity to live in safety, rebuild their economies, create a future, and look to tomorrow with confidence.
Our peoples, bound since time immemorial by unbreakable ties of friendship and brotherhood, have walked hand in hand through the difficult path of struggle for the right to self‑determination. I am confident that shared values, growing interaction and cooperation in all areas will continue to be a reliable foundation of our alliance.”
In his message, Marat Kambolov also wished all citizens of Abkhazia peace, well‑being and prosperity.
The audience was addressed by the President of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, and the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Sergei Kiriyenko, who read out a greeting from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to the organizers, participants, and guests of the International Music Festival “Music of the Proud”.
August 26, 2026