On 9 September is five years since establishment of diplomatic relations between republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation. The importance of this date was commented to STRC ‘IR’ by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of RSO Kazbulat Tskhovrebov.

— Today we celebrate a historical date – establishment of diplomatic ties between Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation which is a logical consequence of another significant date, on 26 August 2008 Russian Federation recognized state independence of Republic of South Ossetia. On 20 January 2009 was signed a Memorandum of understanding between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation on cooperation in foreign affairs, which foresees Russia to facilitate development of relations between Republic of South Ossetia and third states, its participation in activities of international organizations as well as readiness of the Russian side to represent interests of Republic of South Ossetia in third countries through diplomatic representations of Russian Federation

Diplomatic ties are to support official contacts between two sovereign states. They facilitate development of friendly relations between the states, support peace and stability. Relations between Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation are a good example. This can also be proved by the work that was done for the last 5 years on establishment of full-fledged interstate ties between our states. Above the agreement on cooperation and bilateral support from 17 September 2008, were signed about seventy international agreements at different levels, were opened and are functioning Embassies, that are fulfilling all the required duties including consular services. Next year it is planned to open a Consular Agency in Vladikavkaz, the Russian side has already agreed.

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary since establishment of diplomatic relations was sent a congratulatory note to the Minster of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia David Sanakoev. I would like to use this possibility and wish to all diplomats of Russian Federation as well as to staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia success in their difficult service for the good of their countries.