On behalf of the people of the Republic of South Ossetia, I express my words of support and solidarity to the people of Abkhazia on the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of the Fatherland.

August 14th occupies a special place in the history of Abkhazia. On this day, severe trials began, in which the people of the republic showed courage, fortitude and determination to defend their freedom and the right to independently determine their future.

We pay deep respect to all those who stood up for the defense of their native land, and bow our heads before the memory of those who died.

This date is also close to the people of South Ossetia. During the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia, South Ossetian volunteers fought together with Abkhaz soldiers for the freedom of the republic. The fighting brotherhood, born in those years, has forever become a part of the common history of our peoples.

Today, South Ossetia shares the grief of the brotherly people of Abkhazia. The memory of the defenders of the Fatherland, their courage and dedication will be carefully preserved and passed on to the next generations.

I wish you, Badra Zurabovich, perseverance and fortitude, and peace and prosperity to the people of Abkhazia."