Dmitry Medvedev visited Tskhinval for the first time on July 13, 2009, almost a year after the Republic was recognized by the Russian Federation.
The then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree recognizing the sovereignty of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on August 26, 2008 after repelling the Georgian aggression.
A year after the significant event, Medvedev was greeted near the presidential administration building by еру authorities, elders in national costumes and thousands of residents of the Republic.
The townspeople greeted the Russian leader with loud applause and cheers, chanting “Thank you!” According to tradition, Medvedev was presented with a wooden bowl of wine, as well as the Ossetian pies.
The President assured that Russia would continue to provide the necessary assistance to South Ossetia.
Medvedev's second visit to the Republic took place on the anniversary of the war on August 8, 2012.
