A new agreement on “deepening allied cooperation” between Russia and the occupied Tskhinvali region will contribute to strengthening relations between the two sides, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov said during remarks before lawmakers.
Alimov claimed that the occupied region of South Ossetia relies on Russia to ensure security and socio-economic stability.
“South Ossetia is Russia’s close ally and friend, and more than 90% of the republic’s population holds Russian citizenship,” Alimov said, adding that the region’s leadership and population share Russia’s strategic vision and “spiritual and moral values,” and support Moscow’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The comments came as Russia’s State Duma ratified an agreement on deepening cooperation with the self-proclaimed Republic of South Ossetia, a move critics in Georgia say represents another step toward the de facto annexation of the occupied Tskhinvali region.
Under the agreement, Moscow and Tskhinvali will continue efforts to create a unified economic space and gradually move toward common approaches on issues related to foreign borrowing and foreign investment.
The deal also envisages greater integration of energy and transport systems, development of common communications and telecommunications infrastructure, and expanded cooperation in social, labor and cultural sectors.
In addition, the document aims to strengthen coordination in foreign policy and cooperation in defense and security matters, while promoting socio-economic development, infrastructure projects and conditions for the free movement of capital, goods, services and labor.
The agreement was ratified by Russia’s State Duma during a plenary session and has now also been submitted for ratification in the occupied Tskhinvali region by de facto leader Alan Gagloev.
Georgia and most of the international community continue to recognize South Ossetia as part of Georgia’s sovereign territory under Russian occupation following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.
Related story: Gakharia For Georgia: Russia’s annexation of Tskhinvali region has entered ‘active and dangerous phase’
