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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Dear friends,

Together with Mr Tibilov we discussed in great detail everything that was done recently in the Republic of South Ossetia; we talked about existing problems and the future. I would like to recall that over the past two and a half years Russia sent 9 billion rubles [around $300 million] to restore the Republic of South Ossetia, and for 2011–2013 another 8.5 billion rubles have been allocated for that purpose. However, the scale of the problem is definitely bigger – and we were able to take stock of this again – than it is possible to solve even with the substantial financial means that Russia is providing.

We agreed that we will very carefully analyse the situation once again, taking into account all of its aspects. This applies to the security sector, and strengthening the security component of the Republic of South Ossetia itself. It applies to the development of the socio-economic sphere, particularly such areas as agriculture and processing. In social sphere, this refers to education, healthcare, wages and pensions. That is more or less the range of issues we discussed today.

We agreed to improve the existing mechanisms so that decisions are made more effectively and are fully implemented.

Naturally, our most important, fundamental goal is to improve the lives of people living in South Ossetia, facilitate the return of refugees and resettle those refugees who have been living in temporary dwellings in South Ossetia for more than ten years. This is a very acute social problem that requires a solution. Of course, this will be done on a step-by-step basis as the necessary funds are allocated.

“Our fundamental goal is to improve the lives of people living in South Ossetia, facilitate the return of refugees and resettle those refugees who have been living in temporary dwellings in South Ossetia for more than ten years. This is a very acute social problem that requires a solution.”

Mr Tibilov and I agreed to create a mechanism for mutual consultations and we will stay in constant contact during our work.

Thank you very much.

President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov: A very important meeting for South Ossetia just took place. This is my first meeting with the President of the Russian Federation and I think it is very significant.

We exchanged views on many issues that affect the living standards of the people of South Ossetia. We made important decisions regarding further development and establishment of our republic. We discussed the development of public healthcare, educational development currently underway in our republic. The recovery planned for South Ossetia should proceed at a faster pace, so that citizens could see and actually feel the enormous support that the Russian Federation is currently providing.

We thank great Russia and President Putin personally for the tremendous support they have given South Ossetia, the people of South Ossetia, particularly in recent years.

The people of South Ossetia remember with gratitude the actions that the Russian side took to save it. In our work and in our deeds we will prove to your great Russian country that the people of South Ossetia can appreciate friendship, and that our country will always pursue the same policies as our ancestors, and make the same choice: together with Russia forever.

We will follow this principle and our future relationship will be directed towards further deepening these processes.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.