In Moscow, on March 6, 2019 de facto President of Tskhinvali Region Anatoly Bibilov met with the president of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. According to the Kremlin, the parties discussed current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, primarily in the socio-economic direction.

According to Putin, Russia and Tskhinvali Region are strategic partners and Russia is doing its best to ensure Tskhinvali Region socio-economic development and security.

Putin also referred to the illegitimate parliamentary elections in Tskhinvali Region planned in the summer of 2019. According to Putin, he is aware that in June parliamentary elections will be held in Tskhinvali Region. „I am sure you will do your best to ensure that the elections are conducted in compliance with the law and democratic standards“, Putin told Bibilov. Putin’s statement was considered in Tskhinvali Region as his message that elections should be run peacefully and without excesses. There is also an opinion that with this short-term visit Putin indirectly supports Bibilov’s political team. 

According to Putin Russia remains leading trading-economic partner of the Tskhinvali Region. „We have investment program as well as other programs, which aim to support Tskhinvali Region“, stated Putin.

This is Bibilov’s fourth meeting with Putin in the rank of Tskhinvali Region de facto President. Bibilov-Putin first meeting was in Sochi, on May 2, 2017. Second meeting was in Moscow, November 2017. Third meeting was in Moscow, on August 24, 2018 when was celebrated ten years of Tskhinvali Region independence recognition by Russia.