Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill sent a message of “sincere congratulation” to Alexander Ankvab “on victory in the presidential election of Republic of Abkhazia.”

“Support to your active citizenship and recognition of many years of your work confirms aspiration of residents of Abkhazia to move on the path of peace, development of cooperation between the nations, increasing level of social and spiritual life. I hope, that multi-century cultural and religious traditions linking brotherly people will serve as a firm foundation for their broader interaction,” the Russian Patriarch said.