Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Ali Kaan Orbay has said that Türkiye does not recognize the breakaway Abkhazian and Tskhinvali Regions of Georgia.

"First of all, there should be no doubt about Türkiye’s strong and steadfast commitment to the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. Türkiye does not recognize the breakaway Abkhazian and Tskhinvali Regions of Georgia. We do not establish official contacts with the de facto authorities of those Georgian regions. We do not allow such contacts to be established by other Turkish entities either. Allegations by the de facto Abkhaz authorities should be assessed within this context. It is also important to note that Türkiye will continue to support the peaceful resolution of the conflicts regarding the Abkhazian and Tskhinvali Regions of Georgia within the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our strategic partner Georgia," he told the Accent.

More context: СОВА reported that the "first container train" entered Sokhumi. It has been suggested that it is another scheme by Russia to bypass Western sanctions. It was reported that the ship Anatolian was used to transport cargo from Sokhumi to Turkey. The fact of transit was confirmed by occupied Abkhazia's de facto deputy chairman of the State Customs Committee, Alias Labakhua.

Tbilisi has not commented on this issue so far.