During the 20th meeting of the Russian-Abkhaz Intergovernmental Commission on July 22 in Sokhumi, a key agreement was reached to deepen ties between Moscow and the de-facto authorities of the breakaway region. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Badra Gunba, the de-facto President of the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia, agreed to extend the basic agreement on socioeconomic cooperation until 2030. They also decided to continue implementing the State Program for the Socioeconomic Development of Abkhazia for 2022–2025, which sets the foundation for a new program for 2026–2030. The renewed agreement is expected to come into force by the end of the year.

Novak, who visited Sokhumi as part of the Russian delegation, held a meeting with Gunba where the parties addressed strategic areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed further steps toward Abkhazia’s socioeconomic development. "Over the past four years, the program for the socioeconomic development of the Republic of Abkhazia has been successfully implemented. The volume of trade between our countries has grown by 60%. According to the results of several months of 2025, the increase in trade turnover amounted to about 30%," Novak stated. He emphasized Russia’s continued support, adding, "We see enormous potential for the development of agriculture and tourism in the republic. Abkhazia is a reliable and friendly partner for us. We have common ideas and initiatives, the same view of the situation in the world, which should become multipolar."

Gunba acknowledged the challenges facing the unrecognized republic but expressed confidence that they could be addressed with Russian support. "It is very important for us to implement all the programs that we have outlined. Based on the results of 2022–2025, we see positive results: trade turnover has grown significantly, GDP has increased by 187%. I am confident that the implementation of the current program will give a special impetus to the development of the economy of our republic," Gunba stated.

The Russian delegation also inspected several key sites, including the location for the future Children’s Republican Hospital and the Sukhum International Airport named after V.G. Ardzinba. Novak emphasized the resilience and consistency of bilateral relations, stating, "Despite the existing challenges, our work remains systematic, and cooperation remains practical. Russia and Abkhazia continue to consistently strengthen their strategic partnership. Today, we are jointly building a common space of security and sustainability, implementing large-scale programs for the development of key industries."