MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Moscow’s Western partners recognize during unofficial conversations that the issue of Crimea’s status is de facto closed, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday.

"This [recognition of Crimea as part of Russia by Syria] is a statement of an obvious fact. Crimea is Russian territory. It lives a full-fledged existence as part of Russia," she said. "Crimea experiences our common joys and difficulties."

According to Zakharova, those Western diplomats who criticize Russia and "make mind-boggling statements recognize during unofficial conversations that the Crimean issue is de facto closed."