“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hero of Abkhazia Vladimir Anua — a man who devoted his entire life to serving his Homeland and people. We highly appreciate your contribution to the establishment and development of the Ministry. I am confident that the traditions you established will continue, and that your experience and knowledge will remain in demand in the future,” the President said.

Introducing the new minister, the President noted Beslan Tsvizhba’s participation in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia and his extensive experience in the defense sector. Badra Gunba emphasized that Beslan Tsvizhba had served as First Deputy Minister of Defense and that the skills and experience he gained during the war would contribute to the further development and strengthening of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Abkhazia.

“Threats and challenges have not disappeared; on the contrary, they are increasing and new ones are emerging. The Ministry of Defense, led by the Minister and the Chief of the General Staff, will have to take a number of steps aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capability,” Badra Gunba said.

Vladimir Anua thanked the President and noted that he would continue to do everything within his power. Congratulating his colleague, he stressed that they had always worked — and would continue to work — toward one common cause.

Beslan Tsvizhba expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for the trust placed in him. He noted that the ministry faces many tasks, with strengthening the country’s defense capability remaining the primary one.

Addressing the Commander-in-Chief, Beslan Tsvizhba emphasized that development would be impossible without the support already being provided by the President to the ministry and without his continued assistance. He assured those present that he would apply all his efforts and knowledge to strengthening the army and the state’s defense capability.

Badra Gunba wished success to the new minister, the leadership of the General Staff, and all military personnel, emphasizing that ensuring the country’s reliable defense capability remains a key national priority.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Vladimir Savchenko noted that the Commander-in-Chief, President Badra Gunba, and the Government of the country are implementing all necessary measures to strengthen the republic’s defense capability and develop its Armed Forces.