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Russia aims to develop allied relations with Abkhazia, South Ossetia — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, conditions have been established thanks to the joint efforts of the countries to strengthen the republics’ economic and political positions

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova

© Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Russia is interested in further building its relations with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Monday.

"After Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia 15 years ago, the Russian Federation guaranteed their reliable protection and gradual development and their becoming modern and self-sufficient states. The majority of people in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have Russian citizenship and support the course towards deepening the alliance with Russia. […] We aim to continue the course towards comprehensive development of allied relations with the fledgling Transcaucasian republics," the spokeswoman said in a statement, published on the Foreign Ministry’s website Monday.

According to Zakharova, conditions have been established thanks to the joint efforts of the countries to strengthen the republics’ economic and political positions. The spokeswoman stated that Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s support of the special military operation in Ukraine is "an example of the truly allied nature of relations."

The diplomat noted that Russia remains the republics’ main trading partner. According to the spokeswoman, Russia is interested in the welfare of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, because this meets the common interests of the countries, creates a belt of security and prosperity, and expands export markets and opportunities for tourist and business trips.

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