Two Russian FSB Coast Guard boats arrived at Ochamchira port

14.12.2009 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Sobol-class boat

Two patrol boats Mangust and Sobol belonging to Abkhazian branch of Russian FSB Coast Guard arrived at port Ochamchira (eastern Abkhazia) at Saturday, said the source from FSB.

Russian patrol boats will start protection of Abkhazian borders in December.

It is planned to establish a naval base in Ochamchira for ships of Abkhazian branch of Russian FSB Coast Guard.

Presence of Russian patrol boats will provide security of vessels heading for Abkhazia and protection of its sea borders, specified representative of the branch.

Russian sailors were welcomed at the pier by Valery Arshba, director of Abkhazian president's administration, Sergei Shamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Semen Grigoriev, Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia and Yury Zviryk, head of Abkhazian branch of Russian FSB Border Guard.

After hospitable speech, the representatives of local administration presented flowers and gifts to the sailors and traditional piglet roasts to the captains.

Russia plans to deploy two more patrol boats at Abkhazian territorial waters, specified Abkhazian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Shamba during TV interview.

Russia and Abkhazia signed the Agreement of cooperation in defense of state border of Republic of Abkhazia.