The Agreement, signed in Moscow on February 17, 2010, governs the jurisdiction of the parties with respect to the unified Russian military base in South Ossetia, establishes the procedure for using military units stationed at the base in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Republic of South Ossetia to protect the sovereignty and security of the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia. In particular, the provisions of the Agreement outline the operation of the military base and the status of its personnel.
The Agreement applies to all Russian military facilities (military units) already deployed or planned to be deployed on the territory of the Republic of South Ossetia.
The agreement also regulates flights by Russian aircraft, the movement of vehicles and warships, and sets out the procedure for crossing the state border.
The military base has the status of a diplomatic mission as stipulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961.
The Agreement was signed for 49 years with the option of being automatically prolonged for the 15-year periods.
The Agreement will consolidate long-term Russian military presence and strengthen security in the region.