President Gunba Meets with International Circassian Association Delegation in Sukhum

SUKHUM / AQW’A — President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba met on Friday with the leadership of the International Circassian Association (ICA), who arrived in Sukhum to participate in a session of the Association’s Executive Committee.

The ICA delegation included Hauiti Sokhrokov, President of the International Circassian Association and member of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations of the Russian Federation; Iskhak Mashbash, People's Writer of both Adygea and Abkhazia; and Valery Maremukov, Chairman of the public organisation Adyghe Khase of the Republic of Abkhazia.

Also present at the meeting were Vice President Beslan Bigvava, Head of the Presidential Administration Beslan Eshba, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Shamba, Deputy Prime Minister Dzhansukh Nanba, and Minister of Culture Daur Kove.

President Gunba expressed sincere appreciation for the longstanding support of the Circassian community and the ICA’s vital role in fostering unity among the peoples of the Caucasus.

“In difficult times, when Abkhazia was in urgent need of support, the Association stood firmly in defence of our brotherly republic,” said Gunba. “Your efforts continue to unite our common home, the family of Caucasian peoples. We are honoured to welcome our brothers from the International Circassian Association to Abkhazia today. I am confident that our cooperation will continue to grow, for the benefit of all Caucasian nations, and in the name of peace, stability, and mutual understanding.”

In his remarks, ICA President Hauiti Sokhrokov expressed deep gratitude for the reception and reaffirmed the Association’s enduring support for Abkhazia.

“Brotherly Abkhazia holds a special place in our hearts,” said Sokhrokov. “For 33 years, the ICA has united our peoples and was among the first to extend a hand of support to Abkhazia, not only to defend a brotherly republic, but to safeguard our shared roots, history, and kinship.”

Sokhrokov appealed to Circassian communities around the world to continue supporting Abkhazia, praising the determination and spirit of the Abkhaz people.

“We support a free, independent Abkhazia and will always stand by you,” he added. “Wherever our compatriots may be, in Russia or beyond, you can always rely on our support. The brotherly republics of Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea, and Karachay-Cherkessia, along with Circassian communities across Russia, are always close and ready to help.”

The meeting reaffirmed the strong historical and cultural bonds between Abkhazia and the wider Circassian world, a relationship rooted in shared heritage, solidarity, and a collective vision for the future of the Caucasus.