In his inaugural speech on September 26, new Abkhaz leader, Aleksander Ankvab, named two foreign policy priorities for the breakaway region.

The first one, he said, was “dynamic development of comprehensive strategic partnership with the Russian Federation” and “strengthening of mutually respectful, equal Abkhaz-Russian inter-state relations”.

The second one, he said, was “continuation of diplomatic efforts for broadening international recognition of independence of the Abkhaz Republic.”

In his speech Ankvab mostly focused on domestic issues, saying that apart of having low income, “citizens are dissatisfied with criminal situation, judiciary, illegal drug trafficking and growing number of drug-addicts; as well as with situation in education and healthcare sectors; quality of work of local governance bodies.”

He also said that executive government should represent “a team of co-thinkers” and ministers should be “effective managers.”

Ankvab said that the executive government would cooperate “constructively” and more closely with the legislative body.