26 July 2018, 14:55
Political analysts see only symbolic benefits in South Ossetia's cooperation with Syria
Economic cooperation will allow Syria and South Ossetia to enter the markets of other countries, reported Syrian Prime Minister to Anatoly Bibilov. The political aspect is more important than economic agreements between countries, noted Russian political analysts.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 29, Syria and South Ossetia announced the establishment of diplomatic relations. On July 23-25, the President of South Ossetia made an official visit to Damascus.
The United States and the European Union criticized the recognition of the South Ossetia's independence by Syria, and on June 5, Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Syria.
South Ossetia can take part in the restoration of Syria, noted Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis.
The very establishment of diplomatic relations between South Ossetia and Syria is more important than economic cooperation, believes Yana Amelina, the coordinator of the Caucasus Geopolitical Club.
"I cannot imagine how Syria and South Ossetia can cooperate in the economic sphere. Syria needs 100-150 billion US dollars for its restoration. Is South Ossetia able to provide financial help? No, it is not," said political analyst Alexei Malashenko.
Vladimir Evseev, the deputy director of the Institute of CIS countries, believes that people from South Ossetia, who have businesses in Russia, can start economic activities in Syria.
Meanwhile, he believes that Russia will be more economically active in relations between the countries.
"Growth of cooperation between Syria and South Ossetia can be doubted, since the Caucasian state has a low level of economic development," the expert explained.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 26, 2018 at 11:35 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Gor Alexanyan Source: CK correspondent
