Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putting yesterday held talks in the Kremlin. This was the only official day of the Tajik leader’s visit, although he spent three days in Moscow.

The negotiations began with a one-on-one discussion between the heads of state, followed by extended talks involving members of both delegations.

The Tajik president’s official website says the parties discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation, strategic partnership and alliance between their countries, with an emphasis on trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.

The rapid expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation in recent years was emphasized.

In particular, issues of expanding cooperation in the industrial, energy and agricultural sectors were reviewed.

Particular attention was paid to the enhancement of humanitarian relations, cooperation in the fields of culture and education.

It was noted that 71 Russian-language educational institutions operate in various cities and districts of Tajikistan, including those opened by the Heads of State in 2022, as well as 190 mixed schools.  In this context, cooperation in providing these educational institutions with books, educational materials and literature in the Russian language remains an issue of concern.

It was noted that three branches of prestigious Russian higher educational institutions operate in Tajikistan, and more than 28 thousand Tajik citizens study at Russian universities and institutes.

The parties agreed that in June this year, the Days of Tajik Culture will be held in the Russian Federation.

It was stressed that both countries will strive to improve interregional cooperation, including holding a number of multi-level events in this direction.

The inter-parliamentary cooperation of the two countries was highly appreciated, and the parties expressed interest in its effective continuation in the future.

Strengthening cooperation in the field of security and enhancing coordination in the joint activities of special services and law enforcement agencies in the fight against security threats and dangers were among the important issues of the negotiations.

Beneficial cooperation within regional and international organizations was also a focus of attention for the heads of the two states, according to the Tajik president’s official website.