On 4 December, the Press Centre of the Committee for Information and Press hosted a press conference by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia Akhsar Dzhioev summarising the outcomes of the outgoing year.
Key points highlighted during the press conference.
Strengthening Cooperation
2025 has been a particularly significant year, according to Akhsar Dzhioev. First and foremost, it marked the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. South Ossetia played an active role in the war: many fought on the front lines, while others worked selflessly on the home front. Victory Day was celebrated nationwide, with festivities held in Moscow and attended by the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev.
“During his visit to Moscow, Alan Gagloev met with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Russia remains the principal guarantor of peace and security in South Ossetia. This concerns not only military support but also active social and economic cooperation.
South Ossetia and Russia maintain dynamic engagement across multiple areas. President Putin underscored Russia’s commitment to upholding peace and security in our country and supporting its stable development. This will enable our children to study and grow. Russia’s position on this matter remains steadfast and consistent, its support is invaluable for us,” he noted.
President Gagloev also held talks with delegations from Nicaragua and the Republic of Srpska, led by then-President Milorad Dodik during the visit to Moscow, Dzhioev recalled. Recently, elections were held in the Republic of Srpska, resulting in the victory of Sinisa Karan, who supports further strengthening relations with Russia. President of the Republic of South Ossetia congratulated him on his victory, South Ossetia intends to develop ties with the new leader. A meeting was also held with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as part of the events in Moscow. “The Belarusian people made an immeasurable contribution to defeating fascism, losing every fourth citizen. Belarus and Russia carefully preserve the memory of the fallen, allocating significant resources to the creation and restoration of historical monuments,” Minister highlighted.
The year 2025 also marked the anniversary of the Treaty on Alliance and Integration between South Ossetia and Russia, signed in 2015. This document is the second fundamental agreement between the two states following Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia in 2008 and covers a broad range of issues including security and economic development.
The Foreign Minister clarified that implementation of the treaty’s provisions continues in cooperation with Russian partners. Particular attention is being paid to harmonizing legislation and developing bilateral relations. Thanks to Russia’s role as a security guarantor, South Ossetia is successfully advancing in other sectors as well.
To date, more than 140 bilateral documents have been signed, including 14 agreements concluded this year alone, with work continuing on 12 additional draft agreements. “Among the signed documents are standalone agreements regulating specific areas and protocols to existing ones. The Republic actively cooperates with constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Special mention should be made of cooperation with North Ossetia–Alania, as a large part of our people reside there, and we share a common identity and a profound historical destiny. We are one people. At present, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of South Ossetia with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on a new document with the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania,” he mentioned.
This year the Republic celebrated the 35th anniversary of its establishment. This date carries immense significance, as the proclamation of the Republic in 1990 and the steps that followed ultimately led to independence and the formation of statehood. South Ossetia adopted its Act of Independence on 29 May 1992. This continuity has major political and legal importance and we deeply value and appreciate the efforts of our citizens who adopted these fateful documents in the most difficult periods. Thanks to their professionalism and foresight we face the future with confidence today.
A large delegation from Abkhazia, headed by President Badra Gumba, arrived to attend the international Forum dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Republic. More than ten bilateral agreements were signed during the Forum. The Forum was attended by First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergey Kiriyenko, Head of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania Sergey Menyailo, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and other senior officials. This shows the significant attention that Russia accords to South Ossetia.
Other unquestionably important dates must also be noted — the recognition of South Ossetia’s independence by Russia on 26 August, the establishment of diplomatic relations in September and others.
President Gagloev remains in constant contact with the Russian leadership. There were telephone conversations and an in-person meeting with the President of Russia this year. This summer President Gagloev met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation on the sidelines of the forum in Mineralniye Vody, which also hosted the latest session of the South Ossetian–Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Social and Economic Development.
Prime Minister Mishustin emphasized the importance of the IGC’s work for economic cooperation.
“The work of the joint commission of South Ossetia and Russia on the delimitation and demarcation of the state border between the two countries is in its final stage. The commission’s purpose is to determine the state border line between Russia and South Ossetia along the Main Caucasus Ridge,” Minister specified.
Cooperation with Russia continues actively, including between the foreign ministries, according to the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries meet regularly. The latest meeting with Sergey Lavrov took place on 1 October in Sochi, during which an interagency consultation plan was signed. “These meetings address a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation and regional security. The consultation plan enables the efficient resolution of interagency matters.
Sergey Lavrov holds South Ossetia in warm regard and we are always glad to welcome him,” Minister added.
Akhsar Dzhioev spoke about the opportunities that Russia provides to South Ossetia, particularly through the MFA. Thanks to this cooperation, South Ossetian citizens are able to study at prestigious Russian universities — MGIMO and the Diplomatic Academy. This year another group of students was admitted to these institutions. “However, we must acknowledge that we are unable to provide employment for all graduates and we accept the criticism addressed to us in this regard. This is partly due to the availability of vacancies as well as existing regulations governing entry into the civil service. Nevertheless, we continue to develop our personnel reserve in order to provide greater employment opportunities,” Minister emphasized.
Security Issues
South Ossetia reacts promptly to statements made by its southern neighbor. “In the process of normalizing relations with our southern neighbor, our negotiators have not yet received from the opposing side the understanding and legally binding agreements that would allow us to fully state that we possess absolute security. Russia serves as the guarantor of our country’s security and we have corresponding bilateral agreements. Security matters are discussed within the framework of international discussions. South Ossetian party present the position of South Ossetia in a substantive and well-reasoned manner. Unfortunately, Georgia does not hear us and continues to block constructive proposals.
Statements by Georgian officials often contradict their own earlier remarks. This confusion and counterproductive rhetoric is clearly a destabilizing factor,” Dzhioev stressed.
Last year’s parliamentary elections in Georgia triggered protest actions indicating the presence of certain internal conflict potential within Georgian society.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that South Ossetia is committed to working towards the achievement of a legally binding document.
Recognition of South Ossetia’s Independence and the Ossetian Genocide
The mandate of the Foreign Ministry includes expanding and strengthening external relations, maintaining existing contacts and seeking new partnerships. “This process is ongoing. Within the framework of bilateral agreements, we work actively with our Russian colleagues, and close coordination on foreign policy matters continues. The Russian MFA provides us with substantial practical support in these areas,” Minister noted.
As for the international recognition of the 1920 genocide, the Parliament of South Ossetia has adopted the relevant documents and materials have been collected and systematized within South Ossetia. This work continues. “We have sought to convey the pain of our people to as many foreign states as possible,” Dzhioev said. “The Swiss Embassy in Moscow hosts the Section of Georgia’s Interests. For some time they refused to accept our communications related to tragic memorial dates. But we stood firm and continued to send them materials concerning the genocide and other tragic events including those of 20 May and the Ered tragedy. We usually prepare newsletters and send them among others to the Georgian side through this Section. Let them read.”
Cooperation with Belarus
South Ossetia and the Republic of Belarus are united by a shared historical memory, Minister Dzhioev has repeatedly taken part in commemorative events in Brest. Near Brest lie fraternal burial sites, one of which is the resting place of Bagrat Maksimovich Driyaev, a South Ossetian participant of the Great Patriotic War who fell heroically in the battles for the liberation of Belarus. The South Ossetian delegation paid tribute to Driyaev.
“We intend to deepen cooperation with Belarus in the humanitarian, cultural and sport spheres. This year South Ossetian boxers participated in competitions held in Brest. At the opening ceremony the national flag of the Republic of South Ossetia was raised and the national anthem played.
The Ministry of Culture is also actively engaged in this area. Cooperation with Belarus will continue within the structures of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. Efforts will focus on cultural and humanitarian interaction,” Minister underlined.
This year senior schoolchildren from South Ossetia took part in the “Victory Train” initiative. They visited cities of significance of the Great Patriotic War, including Brest.
The MFA plans to expand cooperation next year and a number of events have already been scheduled. Dzhioev recently met with Sergey Glazyev, State Secretary of the Union State. “While our current focus is on cultural and humanitarian aspects, we hope to move closer to political matters in the future,” he explained.
The Minister highlighted the format of parliamentary cooperation. The Parliament of South Ossetia has been a permanent observer in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Russia and Belarus since October 2008. An international conference is currently taking place in Moscow involving deputies from South Ossetia, Belarus and other countries.
South Ossetia’s Accession to Russia
The issue of South Ossetia’s accession to Russia is a bilateral process, according to Akhsar Dzhioev. To date, the Russian side has repeatedly reaffirmed that it regards South Ossetia as an independent state. “We rely on the existing reality and take into account the geopolitical processes unfolding around us. Contacts with our Russian colleagues continue. In the future, should mutual understanding be reached, appropriate decisions will be made.
Our relations are governed by a treaty and legal framework. This applies to integration processes and cooperation in other spheres. In certain aspects our relations with Russia have become so close that only Russia and Belarus, within the Union State, maintain an even deeper level of cooperation,” Minister stated.
The Special Military Operation
Representatives of South Ossetia are taking part in the special military operation. Unfortunately, there are dead and missing servicemen. “We hope that our boys return home alive and in good health.”
The situation is difficult, as Russia faces not only the Armed Forces of Ukraine but the entire NATO bloc, which has mobilized all its military, technological and economic resources. “The core problem lies in the ideology of fascism that has regrettably taken root in the minds and hearts of many Ukrainians. It is important to distinguish between those who uphold traditional values and respect history and the nationalist formations.
The world is going through a difficult period and there is nowhere to retreat. Russia and its leadership are taking every possible measure to minimize existing threats,” Minister said.
Akhsar Dzhioev recalled the recent meeting between US representatives and President Putin. The new administration in Washington is likely to have a different view of the situation but this does not mean that it is detached from what is happening.
“Let us hope that this will come to an end. History provides us with examples in which conflicts were resolved through negotiations and the signing of appropriate agreements,” the Minister stated.
Contacts with Venezuela and Nicaragua
South Ossetia maintains support for Nicaragua and Venezuela. These two Latin American countries were the first, after Russia, to recognize South Ossetia.
“The leadership and the people of South Ossetia deeply appreciate the noble resolve and support they have demonstrated. Despite logistical challenges and long distances, we continue to actively sustain our interaction. Our contacts with the official representatives of these countries, including their foreign ministries and embassies in Moscow, remain regular and substantive. Nicaragua’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ludwing Jentschke visited the Republic of South Ossetia in honor of the Republic’s 35th anniversary in September of this year, which attests to the high level of attention that Nicaragua devotes to its relations with South Ossetia,” Minister noted.
As for Venezuela, the situation in and around the country remains complex. Minister Dzhioev met in Moscow with Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrea Corano on September,18. Our contacts are ongoing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to further expand and strengthen them.
https://ugo-osetia.ru/politika/prioritetnye-voprosy-vneshnej-politiki