On 20 June 2008, Sergei Bagapsh, the 2nd President of Abkhazia, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme consisted of a breakfast followed by a lunch, bringing together participants to hear Bagapsh’s perspective at a time of heightened tensions in the Caucasus.

The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who guided the discussion toward Abkhazia’s political aspirations, its relations with Russia and Georgia, and the broader implications for regional stability. Bagapsh addressed the challenges his administration faced in pursuing recognition on the international stage while navigating the realities of geopolitical pressure.

A select audience of policymakers, diplomats, and experts engaged in candid exchanges with Bagapsh, reflecting on the complexities of frozen conflicts and the role of local leadership in shaping outcomes. The event offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from the Abkhaz leadership within an international setting.