Welcoming the guests, the President stressed the importance of the visit to the Republic of participants of the International Youth Festival, who arrived as part of the expedition "Abkhaz Wave" after the completion of the main program of the festival in Yekaterinburg.

Badra Gunba called the festival a large-scale international event that brought together young people from more than 190 countries. The Head of State stressed that Abkhazia was well represented at the event: the Abkhaz youth had the opportunity to express themselves, get to know their peers from different countries, exchange ideas and establish new contacts.

The President emphasized that the chairman of the organizing committee of the International Youth Festival is our countryman, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Sergey Kiriyenko, who creates all conditions for the support and development of youth. Badra Gunba expressed his deep gratitude to him for the comprehensive assistance of the Abkhaz delegation and assistance in the implementation of its initiatives.

The President drew attention to the wide geography of the expedition participants — representatives of 16 countries from almost all regions of the world are visiting the republic. According to the Head of State, this creates a serious foundation for the future, as each country is backed by people, personal acquaintances, friendship and mutual understanding.

The President stated that Abkhazia is a sovereign independent state, whose freedom was gained in the struggle of the Abkhaz people at the cost of the lives of their brave sons and daughters. Badra Gunba expressed confidence that international recognition of Abkhazia is inevitable, and such meetings and live communication between young people from different countries will help accelerate this process.

The President stressed the importance for the guests to get to know the republic not only through publications, but also to see it with their own eyes, get acquainted with history, culture, traditions and people.

The Head of State noted the unique natural diversity of Abkhazia and expressed the hope that each participant would find here something close to himself and reminiscent of his native home.

At the end of his speech, Badra Gunba expressed hope for continued communication, wished the guests vivid impressions and interesting meetings.