Abkhazia–Nicaragua relations

Abkhazia–Nicaragua relations

Nicaragua	Abkhazia

Abkhazia–Nicaragua relations refers to bilateral foreign relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and Nicaragua. Nicaragua recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia on September 5, 2008.

At a press conference in November 2008, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Samuel Santos Lopez said, "Certainly, we think that the decision [to recognize independent Abkhazia and South Ossetia] was fair and appropriate. They [the republics] must be given time for inner formalities. We will coordinate the possibility and terms of direct diplomatic relations at a convenient moment. Obviously and logically, we will be acting via our friends, probably Russia, to establish closer contacts and diplomatic relations [with the republics]."

Abkhazia and Nicaragua formally established diplomatic relations on September 10, 2009, after an Abkhazian delegation visited with President Daniel Ortega in the Central American nation.

From 18 to 21 July 2010, a state delegation from Abkhazia visited Nicaragua headed by President Bagapsh. On 19 July, the delegation was joined by a delegation from South Ossetia headed by President Eduard Kokoity. On the same day, both Presidents attended the official events to the 31st birthday of the Sandinist Revolution. On 20 July, the Presidents of Abkhazia and Nicaragua signed agreements on friendship and cooperation, visa-free travel up to 90 days, trade-economic relations, commercial shipping, air services and cooperation between the National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Central Bank of Nicaragua. The Presidents also awarded each other the highest decorations of their countries.

On 16 April 2012, Abkhazia openened an embassy in Nicaragua when Zaur Gvajava (already ambassador to Venezuela) received his credentials from President Alexander Ankvab. On 27 June 2012, the Nicaraguan ambassador Luis Cuadra presented his credentials to Abkhazia's Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba and to President Ankvab.