The recognition of the independence of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation on August 26, 2008 was the important event in the modern history of the Republic, Murat Dzhioev, a member of Parliament of the first convocation and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a commentary to IA "Res".
He has noted that this recognition confirmed that South Ossetia is the independent state for 19 years, striving for international recognition. Dzhioev has emphasized that the Republic was defending its independence in the fight against the Georgian aggression, and in this process Russia was consistently supporting the people of South Ossetia.
After the five-day war in August 2008, Russia forced Georgia to cease hostilities. "Then it became clear that recognition of South Ossetia's independence by Russia and other peace-loving states was the only guarantee against the repeat of aggression by Georgia," he has added.
Dzhioev has reminded that on August 25, the State Duma and the Federation Council voted to recognize the Republic, and on August 26, President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on recognition. He described this event as one of the most important in the history of the people of South Ossetia, along with the proclamation of the Republic in 1990 and the adoption of the Act of Independence in 1992.
"If there had not been these steps on the part of South Ossetia, then the Russian Federation would have had no one to recognize," Dzhioyev noted. He also emphasized that on September 9, 2008, diplomatic relations were established between South Ossetia and Russia at the ambassadorial level, and on September 17, the "Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation" was signed in the Kremlin in Russian and Ossetian.
Dzhioev has noted that since then Russia and South Ossetia have been building good-neighborly relations in the political, economic and cultural spheres. He also mentioned the new Treaty of Alliance and Integration signed in 2015, which became a new stage in the development of relations between the states.
"If there had not been these steps on the part of South Ossetia, then the Russian Federation would have had no one to recognize," Dzhioev has noted. He has also emphasized that on September 9, 2008, diplomatic relations were established between South Ossetia and Russia at the ambassadorial level, and on September 17, the "Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation" was signed in the Kremlin in Russian and Ossetian.
"This Treaty covers all aspects of life, and the article on the creation of a single defense and security space is especially important, which guarantees the protection of the territory of South Ossetia," he said.
Dzhioev emphasized active cooperation in the sphere of socio-economic development and mentioned the investment projects. He has noted that South Ossetia maintains fraternal relations with Russia and is participating in the special military operation, which is the example of military cooperation.
"This brotherhood is cemented by history, blood and the future," he has added, emphasizing the need to develop the economy and strengthen the statehood.
Dzhioev also noted the importance of the upcoming International Economic Forum in South Ossetia as a tool for attracting investors. He believes that has recognition by Russia has opened the door for South Ossetia to the international community, and it is necessary to continue working on the recognition by other states.
“The international recognition must be supported by the internal potential of the Republic, so that the world can see that the Republic of South Ossetia can be the equal member of the international community,” the ex-Minister has clarified.
In conclusion, Dzhioev stressed the need to develop friendly and integration ties with the Russian Federation and strengthen the state.
