The Russian leader thanked South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity for the invitation and assured him that cooperation between their countries will continue.

“I am very grateful to you for inviting me to a new country, South Ossetia, which emerged as a result of dramatic events and which the Russian people supported in a difficult time,” said the Russian president.

He stated that Russia and South Ossetia “not only have a common past but also a solid legal base,” including several agreements.

“We have a number of projects on how to restore the Ossetian economy and social infrastructure,” Medvedev said. “And we will be definitely implementing them as a lot of work still lies ahead.”

For his part, Kokoity thanked Russia for its efforts in last year’s conflict.

“The people of South Ossetia are grateful for your support and for recognition of our independence,” the South Ossetian leader said. “And as South Ossetians elders were saying, ‘Thank you for saving our nation.’”

Despite South Ossetia proclaiming itself a sovereign state, the UN has refused to recognize the country’s independence.

After the devastating conflict, which killed hundreds of people, Russia was the first to help rebuild the republic. Moscow allocated almost $400 million to South Ossetia and dispatched a huge force to help restore the region.

Medvedev promised that Moscow will continue security cooperation with Tskhinval according to agreements struck in April, in which Russia pledged it would help South Ossetia protect its borders.

Russia's forces are deployed in the region and Medvedev visited its military base in the capital.

Having protected the citizens of South Ossetia last August, as well as having signed a cooperation agreement, Russia is continuing to fulfill its obligations here. The unexpected visit of the Russian leader has strengthened hope among South Ossetians for a better life.