A solemn meeting dedicated to the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Defense Ministry of South Ossetia was held in Tskhinval.
The event began with the solemn entry of the flag under the hymn of the Republic.
President of the Republic, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Abkhazia, the Donetsk People's Republic came to congratulate the servicemen on the holiday.
The Minister of Defense, Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Gasseev, greeting those present, spoke about the work of the Ministry since the day of its formation.
"Throughout the history of the Republic, we had to confront the enemy, far superior to us both in numbers and weapons, but the people of South Ossetia defended their historic choice and the right to sovereignty," Gasseev said.
The Minister of Defence also recalled the cost of countering the enemy in 2004-2008.
During the speech, Gasseev thanked the servicemen of the Russian Federation, noting that thanks to timely and effective assistance of Russia, the people of South Ossetia managed to be saved.
"At present, Russia's military presence on our territory is the guarantor of peace and security," the Defense Minister stressed.
According to Gasseev, for today the leadership of the Republic has created all conditions for the progressive development of the army.
"Today, soldiers and officers have the full support of society and the state. The level of social security of servicemen is growing, the conditions for military service are improving, "he said.
Anatoly Bibilov congratulated the Ministry of Defense on his jubilee, noted that the fate of the Republic depended on the Armed Forces of South Ossetia.
"When forming executive bodies of state power, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of South Ossetia was among the first to be formed. The priority of the creation of the defense department was dictated by the prevailing critical situation, when the besieged Tskhinval and the villages of South Ossetia were heroically defended by scattered militia units. The fate of our people depended on the successful work of the newly created ministry, "the head of state said.
As stressed by Anatoly Bibilov, today, from the height of the passed years, it can be safely said that the Ministry of Defense has brilliantly coped with the mission entrusted.
During the event, Deputy Commander of the Southern Military District, Lieutenant-General Alexander Romanchuk congratulated the servicemen of the South Ossetian Armed Forces on Defender of the Fatherland Day, and read out a congratulatory address from the Russian Defense Minister.
"Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of South Ossetia. It is a holiday of those who cherish common values, pride for the country, desire to work for its prosperity, love for their land and self-sacrifice for the sake of their homeland".
Minister of Defense of the Donetsk People's Republic, Lieutenant-General Vladimir Kononov, in turn, has noted that the Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia is the mainstay of freedom and independence of the Republic.
During the solemn meeting, were awarded the distinguished employees of the Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia.
In addition, on the stage of the cinema-concert hall "Chermen" fighters of the units of the South Ossetian army demonstrated demonstration performances for the audience.
The event ended with a festive concert.
