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The discussion covered a broad range of issues of bilateral cooperation, primarily in the sphere of South Ossetia’s socioeconomic development.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Tibilov, it is a pleasure to see you.

We maintain regular contact. I would like to note that our relations are growing stronger. This applies to all areas, including interparliamentary relations and the work of the intergovernmental commission.

However, it should be noted that along with the general economic developments there is a certain drop in our trade and economic relations as well. Limited as they are, they are also seeing a reduction. However, I am certain that this is temporary.

As you may know, since 2008 Russia has been providing assistance to the republic. This year we have earmarked 8.2 billion rubles, I believe, of which 3.6 billion are part of an investment programme designed through 2017. This programme includes housing construction, the Khetagurov Drama Theatre and a hospital, including children’s wind and maternity department. Overall, things are moving along and issues are getting resolved.

We also cooperate on the international arena, meaning the format of the Geneva consultations on the Caucasus. Our foreign ministries maintain regular contacts. Nevertheless, I am certain there are matters for us to consider at our meeting today.

Welcome.

President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov: Mr President, thank you very much for this meeting today. It is important because there are certain matters I would like to discuss with you.

I would like to note that thanks to Russia’s overall support, peace and calm have come to South Ossetia. The main job of the republic’s citizens and its leadership is to maintain the stability we have been working for over the past 4 years. As regards the republic’s rehabilitation, today we are steadily moving towards the completion of this process and are developing the economy and social sphere that were destroyed during the war.

I would like to note here that our republic is steadily and firmly moving along the path of coming closer with Russia. The treaty on alliance and integration that we have signed has brought us to a very high level of security and mutual cooperation.

The people of South Ossetia are very proud of acquiring the status of Russia’s ally, because the matter of security in case of external aggression is our number one priority.

We are doing a lot. Specifically I would like to brief you on the construction of certain facilities and to note that the assistance we are receiving is used in such a way that it always reaches its destination without any deviations. Different things happened before, but I can say that we have overcome all that and we are doing well.

I would like to assure you and Russia that we are moving along the path chosen by our ancestors. We maintain this approach, which is mainly linked to the significant support we are receiving from you personally, support for the republic’s development, and support for its people. I would like to convey the best wishes from our people – wishes of health to you and prosperity to the great Russia.

Vladimir Putin. Thank you.

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