Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Nikolai Bondarenko and Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of South Ossetia-Minister of economic development of The Republic of South Ossetia Gennady bekoyev Announced this today, April 12, in the framework of the joint business forum at the St. Petersburg chamber of Commerce and industry.
The event was organized in the development of agreements reached on the results of the meeting of the acting Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia in the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev in the framework of the XIII St. Petersburg partnership of small and medium businesses.
The signing of the cooperation Agreement between St. Petersburg and the Republic of South Ossetia is scheduled for autumn this year. Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev especially thanked the management of the Committee for external relations of St. Petersburg for the preparation of the document and the organization of the business forum.
Speaking with a welcoming speech, N. L.Bondarenko noted that Russia and South Ossetia have warm friendly relations that have been tested by time. "Our peoples have always helped each other in difficult periods of history, fought shoulder to shoulder with the enemies," said the Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg.
Among the priorities for the development of cooperation, he noted trade and economic relations, tourism, health and cultural ties. He also expressed confidence that the organized business forum will give impetus to the activation of bilateral contacts. "In the person of St. Petersburg, South Ossetia has a reliable partner," he assured.
Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of South Ossetia – Minister of economic development of the Republic of South Ossetia Gennady Bekoev, for his part, thanked the Government of St. Petersburg for the warm welcome and willingness to cooperate. He also noted that St. Petersburg holds a special place for the Ossetian people. It was in St. Petersburg 270 years ago that the first diplomatic mission of Ossetia was established.
Also, G. B. Bekoev presented to the participants of the business forum a presentation of the economic and investment potential of the Republic of South Ossetia. He spoke about the government's actions taken to ensure the sustainable development of the country and attract capital. Among the special advantages of the Republic were the mineral-rich subsoil, good climatic conditions favorable for crop production and horticulture, exceptional water and mineral resources and the availability of therapeutic waters and muds for the organization of medical and recreational tourism. There are already examples of cooperation in all areas, but the potential is far from exhausted, and there are many opportunities for integration, including in the light and food industries. The simplification of doing business, no doubt, will be facilitated by the connection of the Republic of South Ossetia in 2018 to the payment system MIR.
Also during the opening ceremony were the Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia VII convocation, Chairman of the Council of the St. Petersburg chamber of Commerce Vladimir Katenev and President of the chamber of Commerce of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Alborov.
An agreement on cooperation between the chambers of Commerce and industry of St. Petersburg and South Ossetia was signed.
Other high-ranking guests, including Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev, Minister of health and social development Georgy Totchiev, Chairman of the State customs Committee Murat Tskhovrebov, Chairman of the Committee on youth policy, sports and tourism Sergey zasseev, also came to St. Petersburg as part of the delegation of South Ossetia.
On the Russian side, the event was attended by representatives of St. Petersburg industrial enterprises, retail chains, travel agencies, health care institutions of the city.