On May 26, Alexander Novak, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting separatist South Ossetia within the framework of allied obligations during the XXIII meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Mineralnye Vody.
Addressing the gathering, Novak emphasized the importance of in-person meetings within the Caucasus Investment Forum for improving coordination and attracting investments to South Ossetia. He described Russia and South Ossetia as "close friends and time-tested allies" with no unsolvable issues and expressed gratitude for the republic’s support of Russia’s international positions, notably its backing of the special military operation.
Novak highlighted South Ossetia’s achievements over the past 16 years, including infrastructure modernization, improvements in public administration, and enhanced defense capabilities. He pointed to economic indicators such as a 32% GDP growth rate, a 14.5% increase in trade turnover with Russia, and a 28.6% rise in domestic budget revenues as evidence of progress under Russian financial support.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister called for an ambitious new State Program of Socio-Economic Development until 2030, suggesting discussions on its parameters, financial backing, and measures to stimulate investment, support small and medium enterprises, and address infrastructure challenges. Novak stressed that future assistance would depend on South Ossetia’s effective execution of investment projects, integration into customs and tax systems, and stricter oversight of Russian aid expenditures.
Alan Gagloev, the de-facto President of separatist South Ossetia, expressed deep gratitude to the Russian Federation for its sustained, large-scale support and confirmed the republic’s readiness to discuss and implement the new development program. Gagloev reaffirmed South Ossetia’s consistent alignment with Russian policies, declaring that the republic has always considered itself part of the broader Russian world and will continue to support the decisions of Russian leadership.