A round table on the topic "Russia and South Ossetia: the dynamics of strengthening friendship and cooperation" was held in the capital of South Ossetia.
The event, timed to coincide with the celebration of Russia Day, was organized by the South Ossetian political party "Unity".
The discussion was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia Akhsar Dzhioev, Chairperson of the Information and Press Committee Maria Kotaeva, the head of the Russian House in Tskhinval Sergey Komissarov, the 3rd secretary of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Ossetia Petr Mazin, the ataman of the Alan Cossack army Ruslan Dzhibilov, as well as representatives of the scientific community and the public.
Opening the round table, the leader of the "Unity" party Zurab Kokoev expressed gratitude to the guests for their attention and emphasized the historical significance of support from Russia.
"It is pleasant to realize that in the difficult years of its development, our young Republic was never alone. In the difficult fight against the aggressor, we have always felt the fraternal shoulder of our compatriots and friends. Russia has been providing us with comprehensive support in the development and formation of our Republic," Kokoev said.
He particularly noted the role of the leadership of the Russian Federation.
"I would like to express my gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to all residents of Russia for their help and support both in 2008 and in subsequent years. Life has shown that the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation was the only right decision," Kokoev said.
The party leader emphasized the role of Russia as a guarantor of independence.
"By recognizing the independence of South Ossetia in 2008, Russia acted as a guarantor of its existence as the independent state and the peaceful future of the people of Ossetia," Kokoev has emphasized.
He has noted that more than 100 agreements and treaties have already been signed between the two republics.
Gennady Kokoev, a member of the first convocation of the RSO Parliament, political scientist, and Advisor to Minister of Economic Development of the Republic, analyzed the historical path of South Ossetia and its inseparable connection with Russia.
He reminded that already in 1920, during the period of fragmentation of the unified Russian state, South Ossetia made its unequivocal pro-Russian choice, declaring Soviet power.
"Then there followed armed aggression from the Menshevik Georgian regime, which can only be described as ethnic cleansing and genocide," he said.
The political scientist has emphasized that even then Russia supported the right of the Ossetian people to self-determination.
Gennady Kokoev drew a parallel with modern history, stating that 86 years later, in 2008, Russia legally recognized the independence of South Ossetia, which effectively prevented the destruction of the southern part of the Ossetian ethnic group.
The political scientist has emphasized that it was the political will of the Russian leadership that became the catalyst for the revival of the Republic.
"It was then that political recognition, the political will of the Russian leadership to recognize us as the independent subject of international law contributed to the gradual restoration, and then to the stage of development of our economy, socio-economic life, and state building," Kokoev said.
Akhsar Dzhioyev emphasized the special significance of Russia Day for the Republic and the role of the Russian Federation in its development and security.
"For us, Russia Day is not just a public holiday, which is a day off in South Ossetia, it is a significant date. After all, the overwhelming majority of us are citizens of Russia, and in the near future, with the practical entry into force of the agreement on the settlement of dual citizenship issues, the number of South Ossetian citizens who can apply for Russian citizenship will increase," the Minister has noted.
He has reminded that more than 140 documents of various levels have been signed between the two republics, and especially highlighted the Integration Agreement.
Sergei Komissarov also emphasized the centuries-old community of the peoples of Russia and South Ossetia.
The head of the Russian House noted the spiritual and moral closeness of the two peoples, as well as common views on the upbringing of youth, which, according to him, also strengthens relations.
Maria Kotaeva has noted that journalists of South Ossetia have the opportunity to regularly improve their qualification in Russia.
“We get this opportunity to improve the quality of our professionalism every year in Moscow, in Russia, at the Rossua base — these are the educational platforms of Sputnik Pro. Moreover, through Rossotrudnichestvo, we also have the opportunity to attend serious media forums,” said Kotaeva.
As a resident of the Republic who lived through the events of 2008, Maria Kotaeva analyzed the changes takrn place in South Ossetia.
"I can say that over the past 16 years, the Republic has moved from the stage of restoring destroyed infrastructure and receiving humanitarian aid to the revival of its own economy, its own production, and growth in trade turnover," she said.
The head of the Committee has noted that any nation is, first and foremost, an educated society, highly qualified specialists.
“We receive quotas to the most elite universities of the Russian Federation every year. Two generations – 15 years – have already grown up and are receiving the highest quality education in the fields of medicine, diplomacy, the military sphere, in absolutely all fields,” she noted.
Kotaeva also touched upon the problem of personnel outflow.
“During three military conflicts, starting in the 1920s, there was a huge migration of our compatriots from South Ossetia, and accordingly, the personnel system became impoverished,” she said.
However, according to the Committee Chairperson, the situation began to change thanks to systematic support from Russia.
“Therefore, in such conditions, reviving our own production is a huge plus, systematic consultation from the Russian Federation has led to the fact that over the past three years we have a stone processing plant, a timber processing plant, and a cannery,” the head of the Committee said.
Maria Kotaeva paid special attention to the growth of the Republic's own income, which allows South Ossetia to implement large infrastructure projects without attracting external funds.
"Today we can confidently say that the state is now supplying gas to the districts of the Republic where there was no natural gas for decades and people were forced to live with the help of old stoves. This is the first time in history, and not a ruble from investment programs has been spent. This is more than 80 kilometers of power lines built at its own expense. Thus, the Russian Federation, in addition to restoration, has given us the opportunity to develop in all areas," she has emphasized.
Member of Parliament Spartak Tomaev congratulated those present on the upcoming Russia Day, emphasizing the deep historical and inseparable ties between the two peoples.
He focused on the centuries-old ties, which, according to him, are much deeper than any financial or economic preferences.
"South Ossetia was with the Russian Federation even before all these agreements were signed and financial assistance was provided," he said.
The deputy has reminded the tragic events of the 20s, 90s and 2008, emphasizing that South Ossetia's desire to be with Russia remained unchanged.
He cited the examples of feasible assistance that the Ossetian people provided to Russia during the difficult times, including during the Great Patriotic War and during the current Special Military Operation.
"I believe that these moments demonstrate the genuine relations that have developed between South Ossetia and Russia over many centuries," Tomaev has emphasized.
Touching on the topic of economic development, Spartak Tomaev emphasized South Ossetia's strategic goal - achieving complete self-sufficiency.
"We clearly understand that South Ossetia must reach a self-sufficient level, actively developing its own economy in order to fully provide itself with all the necessary goods and guarantee the economic security of the Republic.
The Russian Federation is providing us with tremendous assistance in this, for which we express our deep gratitude,” he said.
The Ooher participants in the round table also spoke during the event.
