In his speech, the Head of State said:

“Dear Ossetian brothers!

I convey to you huge greetings and support from the fraternal Abkhazian people. It is a great honor for me and my colleagues to be here in Tskhinval on the anniversary of the tragic, but at the same time heroic, events of August 2008. These events again showed the steadfastness of the spirit of the Ossetian people, their determination to defend the freedom of their native land. August 2008 once again demonstrated to the whole world that Great Russia does not leave its friends in trouble. Thanks to the decisive and timely actions of the Russian leadership, the troops of the aggressor were defeated.

We bow our heads to the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of their native land. Their feat will serve future generations as an example of loyalty to the Fatherland. Eternal memory to the soldiers-liberators!

Today our countries are developing freely. However, we must not relax. Everything indicates that Georgia still has not abandoned its thoughts to conquer Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is evidenced by the fact that it still refuses to sign a peace treaty with us. That is why Abkhazia and South Ossetia are strengthening their armed forces and building up military-technical cooperation with Russia. We will be eternally grateful to this great country, which in August 2008, despite unprecedented pressure, made a bold decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, thereby supporting our peoples in their aspiration for independence and the right to safe and stable development.

Today, relations between the two independent states are actively developing in many directions, they will continue to grow. These relations are based on the centuries-old friendship between the Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples. Dear friends, I wish each of you good health and happiness, and your wonderful country, the land of the ancient Alans, peace and prosperity!"