MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. One billion rubles will be allocated from Russia’s 2016 budget to the implementation of the Treaty on alliance and integration between Russia and South Ossetia, the materials for today’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South Ossetian counterpart Leonid Tibilov said on Wednesday.
The treaty is expected to be signed after the meeting. "The treaty on alliance and integration between the Russian Federation and South Ossetia is a basic document that envisages further bilateral agreements on specific areas of cooperation. It is planned to allocate 1 billion rubles from Russia’s 2016 budget for its implementation," the materials said.
Trade turnover between Russia and South Ossetia stood at $66.9 million in 2014, the materials said. "Russia renders massive assistance in restoring the economy and social sphere in South Ossetia. In 2008-2014, the total amount of financial support for the republic stood at 43 billion rubles," the materials added.
The Treaty on alliance and integration between the two countries is a basic document for gradual development of closer cooperation in social, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as in foreign policy, defense and security while preserving South Ossetia’s sovereignty. The treaty is signed for 25 years, it can be extended for 10 years after expiration.
"The treaty envisages, in particular, forming a common defense and security space, free border crossing, cooperation in the framework of interior ministries, easing the procedure of attaining the Russian citizenship and its social component, including the issue of pensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
In November 2014, Russia signed a similar agreement with Abkhazia — a Treaty on strategic alliance.