Russia will continue to support South Ossetia. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin after a meeting with South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov.
"Russia will continue providing the necessary support to South Ossetia in strengthening its statehood, in addressing its economic and social problems. We will, as always, help creating conditions for better standard of living through creation of new jobs and revival of infrastructure, "- said the president of Russia.
As Putin has said, for Russia it is a matter of principle, since almost 80% of the population of South Ossetia has the Russian citizenship.
"The social cluster as a whole - education, health care, provision of pensions - requires our cooperation. We talked about this in detail, and outlined some joint work plans,"- he underlined.
Putin has stressed that cooperation between the two countries is becoming more systematic, the legal framework is improving.
"The agreement on interstate motor traffic signed by the Ministry of Transport provides a good basis for growth in freight and passenger traffic, greatly simplifies the procedure of registration of cargo and entry to the territory of Russia", - said Putin.
The Russian president underlined that during the meeting special attention was paid to the issues of regional security and stability.
For his part, Leonid Tibilov said that during the talks had been discussed economic issues, in particular, investment cooperation.
"We have agreed that the investment program will be implemented in 2013-2015, and the people of South Ossetia will feel positive changes," - he said.
Leonid Tibilov invited Vladimir Putin to visit South Ossetia at a convenient time.
It should be noted that the South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov has paid an official visit to Russia on the invitation of the Russian President on October 23-25.
Within the framework of the visit was signed the intergovernmental agreement on the international motor traffic, which would create conditions for the expansion of foreign trade and would facilitate the movement of citizens.
The heads of Russia and South Ossetia have already met this year in May in Sochi, and in October the Foreign Minister of South Ossetia has arrived in Moscow on an official visit.
Moreover, the inter-parliamentary ties are extending- the Federation Council and the Parliament of South Ossetia established a joint commission on cooperation.
The important role in assisting South Ossetia is played by the intergovernmental commission on economic and social cooperation, which for the Russian side is headed by Vice-Premier, Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District Alexander Khloponin and is coordinated by Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation.
Bilateral cooperation in the field of education is also extending - last year South Ossetia was granted 116 scholarships to study at the universities of Russia. This year it is scheduled to grant 172 scholarships. South Ossetian students are also studying at higher schools of such agencies as the Ministry of Defense and Emergencies.
