Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia have sealed a friendship agreement at a historic signing ceremony in Moscow. It follows Russia's recent decision to recognise the independence of the two Caucasus countries.

The presidents of the three countries have signed the agreement at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

To witness the historical signing please follow the link.

President Medvedev has given his full backing to accords on mutual assistance.

However, the most important aspect of the agreement deals with military cooperation.

With the agreement signed, the Russian military now has permission to stay in the region not only as peacekeepers, but as a regular army tasked with providing security in the countries.

Many South Ossetians see Russia as an assistant who can guarantee them the stability the need to build for the future.

It’s expected that the friendship pact will lead to other agreements of an economic nature.

Russia is determined to help the two countries to overcome the aftermath of the crisis in the region.

To watch the Abkhazian perspective on the signing of a friendship agreement please follow the link.