Latvia has expressed concern over a deal deepening cooperation between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region.<br /><br />During a visit to the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Latvia’s President Andris Berzins said the agreement threatened regional stability and security.<br /><br />The strategic partnership accord signed on Monday envisages a joint defence and security space and stipulates Russian “protection of the state border of the Republic of Abkhazia with Georgia”.<br /><br />Monday’s agreement was also criticised by NATO and the European Union but Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said it was essential to “ensure absolute security for Abkhazia’s existence”.<br /><br />“The point is to create conditions for further development and trade and economic ties,” said Putin.<br /><br />Russia and Georgia fought a brief war in 2008 over separatist moves by Abkhazia and another region, South Ossetia, which Moscow has recognised as independent countries.
