A Russian passport issuance point has opened in occupied Tskhinvali, reports the publication Echo of the Caucasus.

According to the outlet, the opening ceremony of the Russian internal passport issuance point was attended by Russia’s so-called ambassador, Marat Kulakhmetov, and the head of the so-called government of occupied Tskhinvali, Zambolat Tedeev.

Kulakhmetov stated that the opening of the Russian passport issuance point is “an important step in the direction of integration between the two countries.”

“This is a clear confirmation of our strategic partnership and indicates that we share a common great homeland and a great history,” the so-called ambassador added.

For context, last week, the Russian passport issuance points in occupied Abkhazia were closed. Specifically, the so-called Russian embassy stated that the operation of the passport and driver’s license issuance points had been suspended.

The so-called president of occupied Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, stated that Russia was being asked to reconsider the decision and resume passport issuance.