South Ossetia is recognized by five United Nations member states and Transnistria by none.

During the reign of Igor Smirnov in Transnistria (1991–2011) both states developed close relations.

[1] In 2006, representatives of both states signed a Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Support as well as a Declaration on the Creation of a Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations.

South Ossetia has an embassy in Tiraspol[4] and Transnistria a Representation Office in Tskhinvali.

Regularly, both states Ministries of Foreign Affairs exchange diplomatic notes.