The Italian side pledged firm support to the non-recognition policy – Press and Information Department of Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in reaction to the visit of de-facto foreign minister of occupied South Ossetia to Italy.

Georgian Foreign Ministry says that the Russian Federation continues making attempts to create an image if the international community recognizes occupational regimes in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.

“The efforts of Moscow are futile since the international community including Italy is informed about illegal activities across the occupied territories, and supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. . . . Georgia’s Foreign Ministry thanks the international community and government of Italy for unwavering support to Georgia,” reads the statement.

Dimitri Medoev, de facto foreign minister of the occupied region of South Ossetia, arrived in Sicily within the framework of his “visit” to Italy. “An official ceremony of a meeting between Dimitri Medoev and the Mayor of Randazzo was held in the city of Randazzo. The Deputies of the Mayor and the Consul General of Russia in Palermo took part in the ceremony. Anthems of South Ossetia and Italy were performed at the beginning of the event,” de facto foreign ministry reported.