Latvia has expressed concern over a deal deepening cooperation between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region.
During a visit to the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Latvia’s President Andris Berzins said the agreement threatened regional stability and security.
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”.
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”.
“The point is to create conditions for further development and trade and economic ties,” said Putin.
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.