Today in Tskhinvali, State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Igor Zubov and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia Akhsar Lavoev signed the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia on Formation and Activities of the Joint Information and Coordination Center of the Internal Affairs Bodies.

The conclusion of this Agreement has created a legal framework for establishing the Joint Information and Coordination Center of the Internal Affairs Bodies in the republican center and has become another step toward the implementation of the provisions stipulated in the Alliance and Integration Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia signed by the presidents of the two countries on March 18, 2015.

The Center will coordinate the parties' work aimed to combat organized crime and other dangerous types of crimes.

The interstate body will be in charge, among others, of creation and maintenance of a specialized data base on organized criminal communities whose unlawful activities affect the parties' interests; collection, consolidation and analysis of information related to the fight against organized crime and other dangerous types of crimes; assistance in interstate search and deportation of persons hiding from prosecution.

The Russian Federation will finance the Center's activities and provide material support within the program of financial aid for the Republic of South Ossetia.

Land plots and buildings for the Center will be provided by South Ossetia free of charge. These include three buildings where the administrative divisions (12–15 rooms) will be located, as well as places of residence for Russian specialists (4 apartments).

According to the document, salaries of the Center's employees will be equivalent to salaries paid to the staff of the General Administration (Department) of the Russian MIA Headquarters on respective positions.

The Center to be created will enable to streamline the joint work of the two ministries and enhance the efficiency of their collaboration. The Center will also be the base for training and professional development of employees of the internal affairs bodies of the Republic of South Ossetia. This becomes especially important when it is essential to ensure strict compliance with the law and fully observe citizens' rights and legitimate interests, as well as with account of the current situation.

The conclusion of the above agreement is an important stage toward integration between Russia and South Ossetia.