Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Anatoly Bibilov in Novo-Ogarevo"s residence.

Putin promised the assistance in developing into a sovereign-democratic state to the representative of the occupation regime of South Ossetia and for this purpose promised to allocate additional resources from the Russian budget, and also noted that Moscow will continue to provide border security and military security in the occupied region.

"South Ossetia is an important partner and ally of Russia. Russia supports South Ossetia as a democratic and sovereign state and promotes its reliable security. Of course we help socio-economic development of the republic. I would like to note that Russia will continue to allocate resources for the development of the republic, and for this purpose a new investment program for 2018-2019 has already been prepared. Of course we have changed positions on current regional problems, we have agreed on a closer coordination to resist challenges and threats that the region"s security is facing. We will continue to work closely in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, "- Vladimir Putin said.

The issue of simplifying the granting of Russian citizenship to residents of the occupied territories was discussed at the meeting.

"More than one hundred agreements have been signed between South Ossetia and Russia recently. There are still some important agreements in our state agencies and ministries that will be signed in the nearest future. This applies to simplification of granting Russian citizenship, as well as the issue of unlimitrd residence permit of South Ossetian citizens in Russia. All these agreements promote the development of the socio-economic composition of the Republic of South Ossetia, "- Anatoly Bibilov said.