On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Ossetia and Russia, Foreign Ministers of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation Akhsar Dzhioev and Sergey Lavrov exchanged congratulatory messages.
In his note A. Dzhioev marked, in particular:
“The date of September 9, 2009 stands in a row with the most significant dates in the centuries-old history of the South Ossetian-Russian relations. The exchange of notes on the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states, subsequent to the historical decision of the leadership of the Russian Federation to recognize the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia, initiated official contacts between the two states on the basis of international legislation and returned to the South Ossetian people the faith in justice and the hope for peace and safe life.
Over the past years, the coordinated activities of the foreign policy institutions of our states, which indicate the prospects for interstate cooperation, have undoubtedly brought very positive results.
The solid contractual framework, emphasizing the special allied nature of the bilateral relations and the unity of approaches on issues of international and regional agenda is the best evidence of the active work, conducted by Russian and South Ossetian diplomats in strengthening cooperation in the field of economics, social policy, education and security.
Honorable Sergey Viktorovich, we in South Ossetia are sincerely grateful to the Russian Federation for the comprehensive assistance to our country, for promotion of our stands across the international arena, for maintaining peace and stability in the Caucasus. Your personal contribution to the process of strengthening the bilateral interstate relations and supporting the activities of the South Ossetian Foreign Ministry at all levels of international communication is invaluable.
I am convinced that the established good, constructive relations between the foreign ministries of our states will further contribute to the expansion and deepening of the South Ossetian-Russian strategic partnership and to the intensification of integration processes for the benefit of our states.”
The congratulatory message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov was read by the Russian Charge d'Affaires to South Ossetia Alexander Zhurov.
In the message, in particular, reads:
“Russia’s recognition of the independence of South Ossetia became the most important historical event, which summed up the logical outcome of the many years of struggle of the South Ossetian people for freedom, for the right to a peaceful and dignified life.
Time-tested relations based on the principles of alliance and integration, mutual respect and understanding of a common historical destiny have developed and are successfully developing between our countries. I note with satisfaction that the close cooperation is maintained at all levels between the Russian the South Ossetian Foreign Ministries. I am convinced that this will further contribute to strengthening the bilateral cooperation, increasing the international authority of your state and ensuring lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus.”