MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Russia’s lower house of parliament is expected to ratify a treaty on allied relations and strategic partnership between Russia and Abkhazia shortly after it is submitted for consideration, the head of the State Duma committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and ties with compatriots said on Wednesday.

Leonid Slutsky has not ruled out that the Russian lawmakers could discuss the treaty until the year-end, but said that the document is more likely to be considered next year.

In comments to the negative reaction of NATO, the EU and the US to the treaty, Slutsky said Russia “is deeply indifferent” to the fact that the West refuses to acknowledge the deal.

“Russia has recognized Abkhazia’s independence and has a full right to sign any intergovernmental agreements with it,” the lawmaker stressed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abkhazian President Raul Khadzhimba signed the treaty in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi on November 24. The agreement envisages the creation of a joint “defense and security space,” including the establishment of a unified group of troops of the Russian and Abkhazian Armed Forces.