**Abkhazia’s Foreign Minister Visits Syria in Bid to Strengthen Ties**
In a move that is likely to be seen as an attempt to strengthen its international ties, Abkhazia’s de facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsits has paid a working visit to Syria. The visit comes at a time when the occupied region is facing growing pressure from Georgia and other countries to withdraw recognition of its independence.
According to reports, Bartsits met with Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, during his visit. The two sides discussed ways in which they could expand their cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and the economy. They also talked about developing transport infrastructure through seaports, which could potentially support business growth.
The move is significant because Syria is one of the few countries that recognize Abkhazia’s independence. Under Bashar al-Assad, Syria recognized both Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, establishing diplomatic ties with Abkhazia in 2018. However, following Assad’s fall from power in December 2024, there were calls for the new Syrian government to withdraw recognition of Georgia’s occupied regions.
**Georgia Faces Pressure to Withdraw Recognition**
Georgia’s four opposition forces have appealed to the new Syrian leader to revoke the recognition, saying that only a “handful of Russia-backed authoritarian regimes” are recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. The U.S. Representative Joe Wilson has also called on the Syrian Foreign Minister to reverse what he described as a “wrongful decision” by the Assad regime.
In a recent move, Georgia’s Dream parliament reported that its foreign affairs committee chair Nikoloz Samkharadze had asked his Turkish counterpart for assistance in mediating with the newly formed Syrian government to secure the recall of recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
**Background: The Geneva International Discussions**
The visit comes against the backdrop of the 64th round of the Geneva International Discussions, which brings together Tbilisi, Moscow, Sokhumi, and Tskhinvali, and is chaired by OSCE, EU, and UN. These talks were established after the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.
**What Does This Mean?**
The visit of Abkhazia’s de facto official to Syria is likely to be seen as an attempt to strengthen its ties with a country that recognizes its independence. It also reflects the growing pressure on Georgia and other countries to withdraw recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will play out in the context of the Geneva International Discussions and the broader geopolitics of the region.
Read More @ civil.ge
