Below is an article by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

On June 7, 2014 a meeting was held in the Abkhaz Foreign Ministry with the Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba and a delegation from Turkey, composed of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Aikan Seferyustyun, deputies of the Parliament of Turkey's ruling AKP - Ali Ihsan Yavuz and Hasan Alichelik, parliamentarian from the party MHP Myunir Yardymy, parliamentarian from the party DHP Engin Ozkoch, Rector of the Sakarya University Muzaffer Elmas, deputy chairman of Chamber of Commerce (CC) of Sakarya Gunay Gyunesh, Chairman of the Abkhazian and Caucasian cultural centers in Turkey - Oral Kobasch (Bganba) and Orkan Sary.

The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Department of Turkey and Middle East of the MFA of Abkhazia Inar Gitsba, Assistant to the Department of Turkey and Middle East of the MFA of Abkhazia Alyas Asabua, members of the National Assembly - the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Yuri Zukhba and Dmitry Gunba.

"This is the first time that such high-level delegation from Turkey visits Abkhazia. Already yesterday [6 June 2014], were laid the first steps towards establishment of friendly relations, a protocol was signed between the CC of Sakarya and CC of Abkhazia, as well as an agreement between the Abkhazian State University and the University of Sakarya,"- said V. Chirikba.

Speaking about the prospects for the development of cultural and political ties, V. Chirikba said: "There are a number of factors conducive to our fellowship. Numerous Abkhaz and Circassian Diaspora - is a living humanitarian bridge between our states. The positive background of the current Russian-Turkish relations has a significant impact, as well as Eurasian integration processes. Dynamically developing sector of our relations in the field of twin cities agreements plays an important role."

The question of establishing direct passenger service between Abkhazia and Turkey raised during the meeting has attracted interest from representatives of the Turkish delegation. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Aikan Seferyustyun expressed concern on this issue.

"We ourselves have experienced the difficulties of transit flights through Sochi. Of course, citizens of Abkhazia and Turkey should have direct communication. Their right to freedom of movement from Turkey to Abkhazia and back should be ensured by the most efficient and convenient manner, that is, direct sea links. This issue will be raised by the competent bodies", - said Aikan Seferyustyun.

During the meeting, issues of Turkey's recognition of Abkhazian passports and lifecycle documents were also touched upon.

"In the example of Turkey and Northern Cyprus, there are countries such as France, UK, Austria, the United States and others, that issue visas in passports of citizens of this country, while not recognizing the independence of the country itself. Of course, it is too early to talk about recognizing the independence of Abkhazia by Turkey, but international law does not prohibit the recognition of passports without legal recognition of independence of the state,"- said the Minister.

Issues of strengthening cooperation in education and culture were also discussed. The Chairman of the Caucasian cultural center in Sakarya told the Minister about joint Abkhaz-Adyghe activities in Turkey, as well as the participation of the residents of Sakarya in the liberation war of the people of Abkhazia. "Many members of our cultural center - Abkhazians, Circassians, Chechens and other Caucasian peoples living in Turkey, supported Abkhazia during the war of liberation of the people of Abkhazia and now are ready to work to strengthen its independence and for wider international recognition," - said the Chairman of the Caucasian cultural center Orkan Sary.

The Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba and all participants of the meeting thanked the MP from the DHP party Engin Ozkoch for taking the initiative in organizing the visit of the delegation from Turkey.

"In turn, I want to thank the members of the Parliament of Turkey for what they were able to objectively evaluate this difficult situation in the country. The events of recent days could not prevent our arrival. In each country there are transitional periods, and we are all very pleased to see that these moments pass without serious disruption to the people of Abkhazia ", - said Engin Ozkoch (Papba).

The participants expressed their support for the political course of the Republic of Abkhazia, aiming at national independence and international recognition.

At the meeting a wide range of issues of mutual cooperation, development and strengthening of cultural, humanitarian and economic ties were discussed.