Moscow, Sep 15 (RIA Novosti) Russia signed Tuesday agreements on military cooperation with the former Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a Russian defence ministry spokesman said.

Russia recognised the two republics shortly after the end of last August's war with Georgia over South Ossetia, which began when Georgian forces attacked the region in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

The agreements were signed by Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and his counterparts from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Merab Kishmariya and Yury Tanayev.

'In accordance with the agreements, Russia has the right to build, use and improve military infrastructure and military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and create and maintain joint military contingents (in both republics) in times of peace and war,' said Alexei Kuznetsov, the defence minister's press secretary.

The agreements could be extended automatically for increments of five years after the expiration of the initial 49-year term, the spokesman added.