The legislative framework for implementing the Treaty of Alliance and Integration, signed between Russia and South Ossetia, was discussed at the meeting of the Joint Commission on Inter-parliamentary Cooperation.
Zaza Driaev, head of the South Ossetian side of the Commission, emphasized the significance of the signed agreement for South Ossetia.
"Since the conclusion of the Treaty of Alliance and Integration between South Ossetia and Russia in March 2015, we have already signed more than two dozen agreements in various fields, including the Treaty of Strengthening Allied Relations, signed on May 9. All these documents play an important role for our Republic," Driaev has noted.
Viktor Bondarev, head of the Russian delegation and First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, pointed out that the Treaty is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the spheres of security, economy, and social protection.
"Under the signed document, the parties plan to pursue a coordinated international and defense policy, as well as to regulate cooperation on security and border policy issues to strengthen peace in the region.
The Treaty provides for unprecedented legal mechanisms. In particular, it allows citizens of one party to hold the state and municipal positions in the other party," Bondarev said.
Furthermore, according to him, the documents issued by local government authorities will be recognized within the territories of both countries.
"The Treaty also provides for the establishment of a joint commission for the protection of human rights.
Such commissions have not previously existed at an interstate level, which makes this Treaty unique in terms of its legal structure." The parties have agreed to amend legislation in the areas of labor, social protection, and pension provision.
"In particular, mechanisms are provided for the mutual recognition of the work experience of citizens from both countries," he has noted.
Bondarev has emphasized that the Treaty guarantees equal rights for citizens of Russia and South Ossetia regarding the acquisition, use, and disposal of property.
He has pointed out that the economic section of the document establishes measures to create favorable conditions for investors from both countries.
"There are plans to incentivize investment in infrastructure, industry, energy, and agriculture."
Furthermore, Russia and South Ossetia intend to gradually integrate their energy and transport systems, as well as their communication and telecommunication networks.
"We hold the potential embedded in this new Treaty in very high regard. We hope to realize it, including through the initiatives we are currently undertaking," Bondarev has stressed.
