At a joint working group meeting on May 22, the program's implementation for the formation of a common social and economic space between Russia and the separatist Abkhazia on the basis of harmonization of the legislation of the two countries was discussed in Moscow. The working group's co-chairs are Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Volvach and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy of Abkhazia Christina Ozgan.

"The parties are striving to harmonize the legislation of Abkhazia with Russian legislation in such key areas as energy, customs regulation, banking, investment, financial and budgetary and social spheres," the report added.

"In general, the relevant departments of our countries are conducting coordinated work on the implementation of the program. A significant part of the activities has already been implemented; the rest are in the final stage of development and approval," Volvach noted.

During the meeting, the parties discussed implementing the program activities: double taxation, customs regulation, banking, and social sphere issues. "The current year, 2023, is the last year at this stage of implementing measures to harmonize Abkhazia's legislation with the legislation of Russia. Altogether, together, we have done a tremendous amount of work. Let's hope that all the program activities will be implemented on time," Volvach noted.