Two agreements have been signed as a result of talks between Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity.

1. An аgreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of South Ossetia for the provision of assistance for the social and economic development of the Republic of South Ossetia;

2. An аgreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of South Ossetia on cooperation in the fight against crime.

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After the bilateral agreements were signed in the presence of the two leaders, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity cut the ribbon for the new natural gas pipeline between Russia and South Ossetia.

Vladimir Putin: As has been said today, this is a crucial economic development. I am referring to the commissioning of a gas pipeline between Russia and South Ossetia. Mr Miller (Alexei Miller, CEO of Gazprom), have they opened the tap?

Alexei Miller (after speaking with his deputy in Tskhinval on his mobile phone): On behalf of the Russian Prime Minister and South Ossetian President, turn the tap! Congratulations, and all the best!

Gas deliveries from Russia to South Ossetia have begun.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Miller, can you remind us about the volume of deliveries? How much will be delivered annually?

Alexei Miller: Two hundred and fifty million cubic meters, more than enough to meet current gas demands in South Ossetia.

Vladimir Putin: When do you plan to start supplying gas to the low-pressure distribution networks?

Alexei Miller: Today we signed a 20-year agreement with our South Ossetian colleagues for gas cooperation. It calls for implementing a large-scale programme for connecting consumers to the gas supply network, which is why we will begin work today.

Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank the construction companies, which have built a unique system оver extremely difficult mountain terrain - the pipeline has been built at an altitude of 3,150 metres. It could be the only of its kind in the gas industry. Building the pipeline through difficult mountain terrain, which necessitated the construction of many tunnels, was very difficult. But you have completed the project on time. Thank you very much.