Interview with A.M. Dzhioev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia, for TASS, on the 18th anniversary of the recognition of the state independence of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation

А.М. Джиоев

On the role of Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence

- On August 26, South Ossetia celebrates one of its main state holidays — the Day of Recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia’s Independence by the Russian Federation. Recognition by a great power that is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, as well as by a number of other sovereign states, significantly changed the status quo in the region, effectively establishing a new geopolitical reality in the Transcaucasus and laying the foundation for long‑term stability and security on South Ossetian land.

This event is an act of restoring historical justice, a crucial date in the recent history of South Ossetia, which was preceded by years of extremely difficult struggle against Georgian aggression, accompanied by acts of genocide and terror against the peaceful Ossetian population.

The main achievement of the Russian Federation’s recognition of the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia is that people can live peacefully, raise children, and look to the future with confidence.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28044715

On strategic partnership with the Russian Federation

- For South Ossetia, whose development trajectory is determined by objective historical processes and the will of its people, the strategic partnership with the Russian Federation remains an unshakable foundation of peace on South Ossetian land.

Over the past 18 years since the Russian Federation recognized the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia, bilateral relations between the countries have reached the level of a deep strategic partnership and alliance.

Throughout these years, the clear, balanced, and coordinated interaction between the political institutions of South Ossetia and Russia has been fully contributing to the expansion of integration ties and the deepening of bilateral cooperation. Today, this interaction is based on a solid regulatory and legal framework comprising approximately 150 interstate agreements, the key one of which is the new long‑term Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation dated May 9, 2026.

Overall, relations with the Russian Federation are characterized by positive dynamics in cooperation across all areas. The high pace of development of bilateral relations fully aligns with the national interests of South Ossetia and also contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Thanks to the reliable Russian defense shield and comprehensive support, as well as the leadership’s focus on improving the economic sphere and personnel policy, South Ossetia today has the necessary conditions for steady development and improving the well‑being of its citizens. Socio-economic cooperation has also reached a new level of systemic planning within the framework of the current joint state program for socio-economic development until 2030.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28044779

On the joint expansion of international contacts with the Russian Federation

- On the foreign policy track, the joint efforts of Tskhinval and Moscow are focused on strengthening the republic’s international legal status. The coordinated course ensures the protection of South Ossetia’s sovereignty and also contributes to the expansion of South Ossetia’s international contacts.

International relations at the present stage are characterized by extreme instability and unpredictability, but despite this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia is carrying out consistent and systematic work aimed at expanding the circle of friendly countries and strengthening its international positions.

This activity is carried out by maintaining and developing bilateral contacts with countries that have already recognized South Ossetia, as well as by establishing and deepening ties with potential partners who are interested in cooperating with the republic. An important focus of this work is interaction with the Ossetian diaspora and compatriots abroad, as well as leveraging the opportunities offered by partner organizations and friendly states to promote the interests of South Ossetia in regions where direct diplomatic channels are currently unavailable.

South Ossetia coordinates its work with Russian colleagues and appreciates their support and assistance, emphasizing that this is especially important in light of the unstable political situation in the world and the ongoing fundamental geopolitical shifts that require very careful analysis and reflection.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28044923

On the prospects for establishing relations with Georgia

- Georgia has not yet accepted the new geopolitical reality that emerged after August 2008, despite the fact that recognizing and building mutually beneficial relations with the two new states is in its own interests.

So far, despite occasional declarations of peacefulness, the Georgian side has been adopting an opposite rhetoric, often with a provocative tone.

International discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus are currently the only international format for maintaining a direct dialogue between South Ossetia and Georgia; their key objective is to ensure the republic’s robust security, ruling out the possibility of resuming military hostilities.

For South Ossetia, ensuring its own security is of paramount importance. This is especially relevant in light of Georgia’s unwillingness to sign a legally binding document within the framework of the Geneva discussions on the non‑use of force against South Ossetia. It is clear that such a position on the part of the Georgian side does not contribute to strengthening confidence‑building measures and stability in the region. Nevertheless, we advocate for an equitable and respectful dialogue in the negotiation process and strive to ensure that international discussions lead to concrete, effective results. We are convinced that an open and constructive approach by all interested parties is key to resolving existing challenges and preventing new threats.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28044875

 

26.08.2026