TBILISI, May 18 (RIA Novosti) - Georgia has said it will protest against a visit by a delegation of Russian lawmakers to Abkhazia, aimed at strengthening ties between Moscow and the republic.

The delegation led by Boris Gryzlov, speaker of the lower house of parliament, arrived in the capital of the former Georgian republic on Monday, and were met at the airport by Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh.

Georgian Foreign Ministry official Zurab Kachkachishvili told reporters: "Gryzlov's visit will be the subject of a major protest from Georgia... Georgia will make its protest only through diplomatic channels."

Gryzlov, a leader of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party and a close ally of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, is the most senior Russian politician to visit Abkhazia since Russia recognized the republic as an independent state following last summer's Georgia-Russia war.

Since recognizing Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, Russia has strengthened ties with both republics, setting up embassies, policing their borders, and providing financial aid.

During the delegation's one-day visit, the sides will discuss Russian-Abkhaz economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, boosting tourism to the Black Sea republic, and building new sports facilities.

The Russian delegation also includes the heads of State Duma committees, and the speaker of the parliamentary assembly of Russia-Belarus Union, Sergei Strelchenko.

After talks with Abkhazia's leadership, Gryzlov will meet Abkhaz Orthodox Church officials at the Novoafonsky monastery, which is being restored with Russian funding.