The head of Syria met his Abkhaz counterpart at the entrance to the palace complex. There was lined up an honor guard, which marched in honor of the arrival of the Abkhaz President. The national anthems of the two states played. Then there took place the official negotiations of presidents with participation of two delegations.

The Abkhaz side includes: Speaker of Parliament Valery Kvarchia, Head of Presidential Office Alkhas Kvitsinia, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture Beslan Dzhopua, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Christina Ozgan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Daur Kove, Minister of Tourism Teimuraz Khishba, Ambassador of Abkhazia in Syria Bagrat Khutaba.

Welcoming the delegation of Abkhazia, Bashar al-Assad said that the visit of the head of the Abkhaz state is of great importance for development of interstate relations. It will give a new impetus to cooperation between Abkhazia and Syria in various fields.

In response, Aslan Bzhania expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality.

"It is a great honor for me and my colleagues to be in the ancient land of Syria. Let me once again congratulate you and all the people of the Syrian Arab Republic on the end of the holy month of Ramadan - Eid al-Fitr, and wish peace and prosperity.

Today we are meeting for the first time, and therefore, I would like to personally thank you for your decision to recognize the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia and establish diplomatic relations. This is of historical importance for us. I am sure that relations between our countries will strengthen and develop successfully.

We are closely following the events taking place in Syria. We are marveled at your personal courage, the feat of the people of Syria in the struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, " Aslan Bzhania said.

After the meeting with the entire delegation from Abkhazia, there were held negotiations between Bashar Assad and Aslan Bzhania in face-to-face format. The heads of state discussed prospects for development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Syrian Arab Republic. Following the talks, heads of state held a briefing for media representatives.

“I am glad to see the delegation of Abkhazia in Syria. The visit of Mr. President will fill the signed interstate agreements with content. The visit opens up new opportunities for development of cooperation in tourism, economy, agriculture and so on. A large Abkhaz and Circassian diaspora lives in Syria. They are worthy citizens of our country, they defended its freedom. The presence of diaspora will help strengthen intercultural ties. Syria has supported and supports the people of Abkhazia and their right to sovereignty and will continue to support them in the future, ” Bashar al-Assad said at a briefing.

In turn, Aslan Bzhania noted: “I am grateful to you for the invitation and reception provided, Mr. President. I sincerely wish the people of Syria peace and prosperity. I admire the courage of the Syrian people, your personal courage, in defending the interests of your homeland. Once again I thank you for the recognition of our Independence. This opens up new opportunities for us. My visit is intended to put these opportunities into practice. Our meeting with you will give a new impetus to development of relations between our states.

Then there was given an official dinner to the Abkhaz delegation on behalf of President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar Al-Assad.

In the evening, the head of state and members of the official delegation will visit the ancient Christian architectural monuments in the old part of Damascus.