— In 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out its activities according to Constitution of Republic of South Ossetia, legislation, norms and standards of the Republic. The main direction of the Ministry’s activities is development and realization of a common foreign policy of Republic of South Ossetia, determined by President of RSO. These tasks are entrusted to MFA by Provisions “On Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia”, Decree of President of Republic of South Ossetia “On coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia in realization of a common foreign policy of Republic of South Ossetia” from 27 April 2005. In 2013 it has been 5 years from the date of recognition of the sovereignty of South Ossetia by Russia. In that sense 2013 is a special year for South Ossetia. President Leonid Tibilov in his address to the nation and parliament on 30 April 2013 confirmed that the main strategic partner of South Ossetia is Russia. Therefore, further development and extension of friendly ties with Russian Federation is a priority for us.

On 9 September 2013 was marked fifth anniversary since establishment of diplomatic relations between Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation, 17 September 2013 is the fifth anniversary since signing of the of the Agreement on friendship, cooperation and bilateral support between Russian Federation and Republic of South Ossetia.

During 2013 were signed 4 agreements between RSO and RF: Agreement on carrying out of control arrangements by Chamber of Accounts of Russian Federation and Chamber of Accounts of Republic of South Ossetia, Agreement between Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation on appeal of decisions, actions (inactions) of functionaries of a specialized custom body, Agreement between Government of Republic of South Ossetia and Government of Russian Federation on specialized high-tech medical support, including medicinal supply, Program of cooperation between Prosecutor General’s Office of Republic of South Ossetia and Prosecutor General’s Office of Russian Federation for.

Were also signed two agreements with subjects of Russian Federation: Agreement between Government of Republic of South Ossetia and Government of Republic of Karachaevo Cherkessia on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation and Agreement between Government of Republic of South Ossetia and Government of Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (Russian Federation) on socio-economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

There are about 20 Agreements in the pipeline, including Agreement on double citizenship between Russian Federation and Republic of South Ossetia, Agreement between Russian Federation and Republic of South Ossetia on state border between Russia and South Ossetia.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation provided an opportunity to citizens of Republic of South Ossetia for studies at profile higher education institutions. This year we carried out a contest as a result of which five people were recommended for entering Moscow State Institute of International Affairs.

We develop interstate relations with Republic of Abkhazia, Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic, Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
In 2013 were signed Agreements on cooperation in the field of culture and art between Ministry of Culture of Republic of South Ossetia and Republic of Abkhazia as well as Agreement between Emergency Ministries of RSO and RA on cooperation in case of emergency situations.

On 15 April 2013 President of Republic of South Ossetia L. Kh. Tibilov by his Decree appointed Botsiev Oleg as Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of Republic of South Ossetia in Republic of Abkhazia. On 20 August he presented credentials to President of RA Alexander Ankvab.

On 12 October was marked 19-th anniversary since the day of signing of the Agreement on friendship and cooperation between Republic of South Ossetia and Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic.

By Decree of the President of Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic E. Shevchuk from 17 September 2013 “On strengthening and development of cooperation between Republic of South Ossetia and Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic, in compliance with Agreement on friendship and cooperation between Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic and Republic of South Ossetia” Kochiev Egor Erikhovich was appointed as the Head of official representation of Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic in Republic of South Ossetia.

In the frame of Geneva Discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia, South Ossetia was doing everything possible for creating all the requisitions for signing of a legally binding agreement on non-use of force between Georgia on one side and Abkhazia and South Ossetia on the other side.

During 2013 MFA of South Ossetia received international delegations: diplomats, officials, experts from different countries. Among them can be highlighted visit of the President of PMR E.V. Shebchuk and Minister of Foreign Affairs N.V. Shtanski, visit of representatives from the Embassy of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Republic of South Ossetia, visit of a delegation from Italy headed by President of Italy-South Ossetia friendship society, Professor Mauro Murgia. Minister and Deputy Ministers took a number of business trips abroad. A number of business meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia D.G. Sanakoev and State Secretary, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russian Federation G. B. Karasin.

Representatives of MFA of RSO took active participation in the process of development of economic ties. In particular, Minister of Foreign Affairs took a business trip to Czech Republic for establishment of business contacts. Deputy Minister A.K. Kochiev is a member of interstate commission on socio-economic cooperation between RF and RSO, he also participated in Sochi investment forum.

- What are the plans of the foreign office for 2014?
- The priority for South Ossetian diplomacy will remain insurance of favorable conditions for extensive socio-economic development, improvement of the quality of life and living standards of our citizens for recognition of our country by the international community. Improvement of the image of Republic of South Ossetia will be the main goal. As of today independence of Republic of South Ossetia was recognized, besides Russia, by Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, Tuvalu, we are developing interstate ties with these countries. In March we mourned with people of Venezuela over death of the President of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias. Establishment of friendly, equitable international relations with all the countries is important for us. We are keen to interact with all the partners that express the same readiness.