Russia and Abkhazia signed a deal on Wednesday to establish a Russian military base in the former Georgian republic

The deal was signed during Kremlin talks between Abkhazian leader Sergei Bagapsh, who arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The base is designed "to protect Abkhazia's sovereignty and security, including against international terrorist groups," the document said. The agreement was signed for a term of 49 years with a possible extension.

Russia recognized the republic on the Black Sea in August 2008 after a five-day war to repel an assault by U.S. ally Georgia on another breakaway region, South Ossetia.

Georgia fiercely criticized the plans for the base in Abkhazia which it considers part of its territory. Russia's military buildup in the region since the armed conflict has also been condemned by the West.

MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti)