On the eve of the Day of recognition of the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation, President Anatoly Bibilov met with Russian Ambassador to South Ossetia Marat Kulakhmetov.
The head of state noted the crucial role in the decision taken by the Russian leadership to recognize the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia.
“I want to thank you and express my gratitude on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of the Republic of South Ossetia to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and all those leaders who made decisions in the most difficult years to prevent the destruction of the Ossetian people,” Bibilov said.
According to the President, after the recognition of independence, the people of South Ossetia found peace, the opportunity for a peaceful existence and further development of the Republic.
"The day of recognition is a significant date in the history of the Ossetian people, and of course our gratitude is boundless. I would like to thank you again. You were here during those difficult years and did a lot to prevent the events of 2008. However, the desire of the Georgian leadership was not aimed at ensuring that the people of South Ossetia live in peace," the President said addressing the Ambassador.
In turn, the Russian Ambassador to South Ossetia Marat Kulakhmetov has noted that in August 2008 the Russian leadership took a difficult step recognizing South Ossetia, which in turn made it possible to determine the future of the Rpublic as an independent state.
“It is very pleasant that you are a supporter of the rapprochement of our states, this is evidenced by confidential contacts with the country's leadership. The Republic is developing consistently in all areas of state building, economic development, the well-being of the people is increasing. Each year for South Ossetia is another step in the development of the Republic, I am sure that next year will also show a forward movement, ” Kulakhmetov said.
During the meeting with the head of state, the Ambassador stressed his further readiness for cooperation and all-round interaction with the Republic of South Ossetia.
“The most important thing is for the people of South Ossetia to live in peace and tranquility, to improve their welfare. The Russian Federation will in every possible way contribute to the strengthening of the statehood of South Ossetia, its development on international platforms, as well as ensuring defense and security. I would like to once again congratulate you and the people of South Ossetia on this significant day,” the Ambassador said.
At the end of the meeting, the President noted that "South Ossetia remains an adherent of the vector of development towards the Russian Federation."
“We will continue to promote the implementation of the agreements that we have with the Russian Federation, this is of course a framework agreement on cooperation and integration signed in 2015. We will be developing integration processes and do everything so that our peoples live in peace and good neighborliness, ” Bibilov said.
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Dmitry Medoev and Adviser to the President of the RSO Konstantin Kochiev.
It should be noted that Russia was the first to recognize the independence of South Ossetia on August 26, 2008. The decree was signed on August 26, 2008 by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
