4 August, 2016-the roundtable "Russia - Abkhazia: Priorities for coordinated policy in the Black Sea and the Caucasus Region" was held in Sukhum

August 4 The round table on topic: "Russia - Abkhazia: Priorities for a coordinated policy in the Black Sea and Caucasus Region” was held in Sukhum in the conference hall of "Atrium Victoria" Hotel on August 4, where Abkhaz and Russian experts discussed the issues of cooperation between Abkhazia and Russia, as well as possible ways of expanding cooperation in all spheres of public life.

The round was attended by government representatives, parliamentarians, public organizations and MASS media.

The first presentation was made by Kobakhia Beslan, Advisor of the President of the World Congress of Abkhaz-Abaza people. "Abkhazia in modern world."  His report: "Abkhazia in the modern world", was on internal and external aspects, stability of the state and, above all, internal stability, as the most essential prerequisite for development of the country.

Atayev Arthur, Chief of the Caucasian Studies Department in RISS under the Office of the President of RF made a presentation on the topic: "General geopolitical interests as a factor of civilizational unity of Russia and Abkhazia" . He noted the importance of enhancing cooperation in matters related to preservation of stability and counteracting external forces seeking to destabilize the region.

Damenia Oleg, Head of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, presented the conceptual approach to the global problems and the impact they may have on Abkhazia and the way Abkhazia will be able to respond to global challenges and to withstand external threats, such as terrorism or cultural expansion of the West.

Zarifullin Pavel, director of Lev Gumilyov Center made a presentation on topic: "Perspectives of Caucasus and the Black Sea region integration in the Eurasian geopolitical projects of Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, he  also touched the topic on countering external destabilizing factors in the development of Abkhazia, which may affect the relations between two countries and the situation in region.

Korolevsaya S.Anna, an expert of Lev Gumilyov Center. The presentation topic:  "Transport and pipeline projects in the Caspian and Black Sea. Challenges for Russia and Abkhazia " , she made a presentation on development of transport, energy and trade communications in the Black Sea and Caspian regions, noting that such projects will help to find a point for cooperation between the countries in the region, provide the basis for long-term stability and development of the states.

Taniya  Leila, Director General of the Agency of Abkhazian Black Sea-Caucasian Development. The presentation topic: "Russia - Abkhazia: integration, political and legal aspects of a coordinated policy in the Black Sea and the Caucasus region." She emphasized the need for creating more active and clear agenda for the foreign policy of Abkhazia. "Georgia and the international community must recognize the systemic genocide against Abkhaz people, which will turn 100 years old in 2018. Abkhazia's policy should be more active in matters of achieving international recognition. " Tanya L. also said that the fact that the Black Sea and Caucasus region is geographically at the intersection of various integration projects (EAEC, the European Union, Great Eurasia, the SCO, BRICS, the economic belt of the Silk Road and others) allows to consider it as a model / pilot area for the implementation of Putin's idea of ​​pairing the various integration projects or integration integration. Abkhazia because of its buffer geopolitical status could occupy a special niche in the regional financial and communication connecting center - by analogy with the status of a small Luxembourg in the EU.

Kirill Koktysh, Associate Professor of MGIMO (University) of the MFA of RF, member of the Expert Council of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities made a presentation on the topic: "Abkhazia: foreign policy coordinate system and the domestic political agenda." He spoke of the interdependence of all international processes and their influence on Abkhazia and Russia, noting that the migratory crisis in Europe and other issues are also challenges for the neighbors. Raised issues concerning the cooperation between the US, Europe, Russia, China and other international players in the long term and how they will shape world politics, and how it will affect our country.

Areshev Andrey, editor in chief of kavkazoved.info  site made a presentation on the topic:  "Challenges for the Black Sea region, and topical issues of Russian-Abkhaz cooperation.", he  raised the aspects of regional cooperation, the impact of policy reforms on the stability, noting the importance of coordinated policies to overcome difficulties and face the challenges.

Skakov U. Alexander, a senior researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS. The presentation topic: "National interests and policies in the field of Russian and Abkhaz security: prospects for harmonization and coordination." He focused on desire of both countries to protect their national interests, noting that sometimes, Russian and Abkhaz positions cannot be the same, but it is a natural process and you should always develop a relationship, taking into account the interests of both countries.

Dobrohotov Leonid, professor of Moscow State University, former adviser of USSR and Russian Federation Embassy in the United States. The presentation topic: «Problem of Abkhazia in the context of ideological confrontation Russia-West» said about the cultural and spiritual similarities of people of Abkhazia and Russia, the need to create a new impetus for economic development, both Abkhazia and Russia. He spoke about the threat of a new Cold War and the challenges for the region in this regard.

Gundjia Kh. Maxim, Vice-President of “International Fund Apsny”, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia made a presentation, he said about aspects of lobbying the recognition of Abkhazia by the international community and cooperation of Abkhazia with Latin American countries. He also touched upon the issues of coordinated policies between the two countries, stressing the lack of initiative in Abkhazia today in matters of cooperation with Russia.

Roundtable continued with discussions, members of parliament as well as representatives of public organizations participated.