The Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has unexpectedly visited Abkhazia, the separatist Georgian region.

According to the BBC, this is Medvedev’s first visit to Abkhazia since the 2008 South Ossetia War between Russia and Georgia which lasted from August 7 until August 12, 2008.

South Ossetia and the other separatist Georgian region Abkhazia declared independence on August 21. Subsequently, they have been recognized only by Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and Georgia still considers both regions part of its territory.

During his visit, the Russian President has promised to strengthen the ties with the two regions and to financially support them.

Medvedev has also commented on Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“It was painful, it was not simple, and time has proven that it was the right decision,” Medvedev said, as reported by the BBC.

Late Saturday night, the residents of the South Ossetia’s capital Tshinvali marked the two years since the attack, at 11:35 pm, the time when Georgian forces shelled with rockets and artillery the capital of the separatist autonomous province.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!