South Ossetian leader Alan Gagloev met with Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, arrived in Tskhinval for the opening of the Economic Forum and the Republic Day celebrations.
According to the Presidential press service, at the beginning of the meeting, the two parties exchanged welcoming words, emphasizing the importance of strengthening business and economic ties.
"I would like to congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of the Republic of South Ossetia. On this anniversary, we are opening the Economic Forum. It is significant that it is being held with the participation of a representative delegation of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs from various regions of Russia. This indicates the high interest in cooperation with both North and South Ossetia. This is especially true now, as the Republic enters a period of active development. "The Forum aims to draw attention to the potential for project implementation. We are looking forward to fruitful dialogue with Russian business representatives," Alexander Shokhin said.
He noted the importance of the Forum beginning with a youth day, which sets the .vector of development for years to come.
"We in Russia are actively working to overcome the labor shortage, and focusing on youth is crucial in this regard. Increasing productivity and enhancing competencies are key factors. We look forward to working together to shape the future for decades to come," Alexander Shokhin said.
Alan Gagloev has emphasized that the arrival of such guests in South Ossetia is considered as the important sign of attention and support.
"It is crucial for us that South Ossetia is confidently and consistently developing in close alliance with Russia. This applies not only to the political sphere, but above all to the economy. We understand that our sustainable development is only possible through deep integration with the Russian space and in close cooperation with Russian business," the President said.
He has emphasized that South Ossetia's primary goal today remains economic growth, the creation of new jobs, and the development of the Republic's production and investment potential.
"And in this regard, it is especially important for us to build relationship with Russian entrepreneurs, with the business community you represent. Your experience and your vision for promising areas of economic development are of particular value to us. We hope that today's meeting will allow us to discuss specific steps to attract Russian investment, create new projects, and strengthen business ties between South Ossetia and Russia," Alan Gagloev has noted.
During the meeting, prospects for cooperation in industry, entrepreneurship support, and the implementation of joint investment projects were also discussed.
"We want South Ossetia to become a territory of growth and new opportunities. And we are convinced that this is only possible together with Russia, together with Russian business. I thank you for your willingness to cooperate, and I am confident that our dialogue will be productive and will serve to strengthen our shared interests," the President said.
Alan Kodzaev, head of the regional branch of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, emphasized that he visited Tskhinval in 2008 and that the capital, and indeed the entire South Ossetia, had been transformed since then.
"I am proud that the Russian delegation in South Ossetia was greeted so warmly, in keeping with Ossetian traditions. Businessmen from various regions of Russia
were impressed by the hospitality. The atmosphere of kindness and celebration in Tskhinval is very inspiring. The guests feel part of a common, greater Russia. South Ossetia confirms its commitment to this. The inscription 'Thank you, Russia!' on the mountain is visible to all who enter; it is a symbol of gratitude. Russian tourists also note this, and they often have this view on their screensavers," he said.
For his part, Alan Gagloev has noted that people of South Ossetia are grateful to the Russian Federation for peace and recognition of the Republic's independence.
By presidential decree, Alexander Shokhin was awarded the Order of Friendship, and members of the Russian delegation were awarded medals "In Commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Republic of South Ossetia."
Taimuraz Goginov, Trade Representative of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation, also participated in the meeting.
