Although Turkey has not recognized Abkhazia's independence and regards it as de jure part of Georgia, the two governments reportedly have secret ties.

[2] In July 2009, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba said that the Abkhazian government has certain contacts with the government of Turkey; negotiations on resumption of air and sea communication are being held.

[3] Officially, the Turkish government did not want to antagonize its neighbor and important trading partner Georgia.

[6] The importance of the Turkish factor in Abkhaz policy was demonstrated by the first visit by President Bagapsh to Ankara in April 2011.

Ibrakhim Avidzba previously worked for the State Security Service of Abkhazia.