A roundtable discussion, "The Dialogue of Cultures in Modern Times," was held in Tskhinval as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.
Representatives of the South Ossetian Presidential Executive Office, representatives of the Republic's academic and creative intelligentsia, representatives of the Russian Embassy in the republic, and guests from North Ossetia participated in the event.
Presidential State Advisor Batradz Begizov read out a welcoming address on behalf of President Alan Gagloev to the participants.
"In today's conditions, when the world is facing the erosion of traditional values and the unification of cultures, dialogue is becoming the guarantor of the preservation of civilization diversity. Ossetia, with its unique language, Nart epic, and ancient traditions, is one of the jewels in the crown of Russian culture. "Preserving and developing this heritage in a pan-Russian context is our shared historical mission," the message reads.
Zurab Kokoev, Chairman of the Unity Party, has noted that the roundtable is being held under the auspices of the significant event.
"The topic we are discussing is not simply historical or cultural in nature. It is a question of our present and shared future. When we speak of Ossetia, we speak of the nation who has been the integral part of the multinational Russian Federation for centuries. We are united not only by a common border, but also by a shared history. The phrase 'Unity is our strength' takes on special meaning here," he has noted.
Lyudmila Bigulova, the employee of the administration of the head of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, has noted during the roundtable that North and South Ossetia are one nation, united by a shared history, culture, and traditions, and that the joint work is the foundation for further development.
"Today, there are no territories or regions where people of only one nationality live." "But this is precisely where our strength lies. We raise children together, we work together, we work together on patriotic education. This is what unity is about," she has noted.
South Ossetian Foreign Minister Akhsar Dzhioev emphasized the particular significance of the topic of consolidation amid global changes.
"The topic is relevant and significant, especially given the events unfolding in the world today, global changes, and the established world order, which, unfortunately, is crumbling before our eyes," he noted.
Dzhioev has emphasized the significance of the 2015 Treaty between Russia and South Ossetia, which provides for a coordinated foreign policy and a common defense and security framework, clearly demonstrating the historical connection between the two countries.
Speaking about the Republic's foreign policy, the Minister has emphasized that South Ossetia is focused on strengthening comprehensive ties with Russia and the peoples of Russia. Over the years of cooperation, extensive legal framework has been established, comprising more than 140 bilateral documents.
"This further confirms the need to improve and strengthen them. Without unity—political, economic, social, and cultural—we, unfortunately, cannot survive," Dzhioev has emphasized.
The event was organized by the Unity political party with the assistance of the Nykhas Republican Party.
The goal of the roundtable is to further harmonize interethnic relations and strengthen friendship between peoples.
