The Kremlin reports that following the Russia-Tajikistan talks, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon made statements to the press.

Vladimir Putin, in particular, noted that the relationship between Russia and Tajikistan is truly strategic, based on partnership and alliance, and is founded on the unwavering principles of mutual respect, equality, and consideration of each other's interests. Most importantly, it continues to develop steadily and dynamically.

“Russia is one of Tajikistan’s largest foreign trade partners. Last year, bilateral trade increased by over 7%, reaching US$1.5 billion. Russia is also among the leading investors in Tajikistan’s economy, with more than 300 enterprises operating in the country with Russian involvement. Overall, our investments amount to US$1.6 billion.”

It is significant that Russia and Tajikistan have almost completely moved away from using foreign currencies in financial transactions, Russian president said, noting that by the end of last year, the share of the ruble in commercial deals exceeded 96%.

The relevant agencies of both countries have reportedly developed an action plan to increase bilateral trade 2.5 times by 2030.

Putin notes that Gazprom Neft is actively operating in Tajikistan, owning a network of oil depots and gas stations and contributing a substantial share of the country’s tax revenue.  

According to him, Russia is also assisting Tajikistan in developing its hydropower sector.

“Industrial cooperation is deepening. The Russian BTK Group is implementing a project in Tajikistan to create a full-cycle light industry cluster, from cotton cultivation to the production of finished textile products,” Putin said.

According to him, about one million Tajik citizens live and work in Russia.  “They are employed in various industries, particularly in dynamically growing sectors such as construction, housing and utilities, transport, and logistics. Their contribution to the Russian economy is significant. Importantly, their remittances provide crucial support for both Tajikistan and their families back home.”

“This year, we are commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War together.  This is truly a shared victory, and we deeply value the memory of the heroism of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, who defended life and freedom for us and future generations, said Putin.  “Emomali Sharipovich has accepted our invitation and will attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.  Additionally, as per our agreement, a unit of Tajikistan’s armed forces will take part in the grand parade on Red Square."

Emomali Rahmon, for his part, noted that bilateral trade turnover is steadily increasing and over the past year, it has grown by almost 16%, reaching around US$2 billion.

“We have agreed to prepare an intergovernmental action plan by 2030 to expand mutual trade volumes,” said Tajik leader.  “We will support the operations of Russian-backed companies in Tajikistan, which currently number around 400.”

According to him, they have reached agreements to intensify joint efforts in industrial cooperation.  Positive trends in textile industry collaboration were highlighted.

“Agriculture has been identified as a promising area for cooperation.  In this context, we proposed that the Russian side take active steps to establish processing enterprises in Tajikistan for agricultural products, particularly vegetables, fruits, raw cotton, leather, and wool.  The Tajik side expressed its readiness to expand exports of environmentally friendly agricultural products to Russian markets,” Rahmon said.

According to him, they agreed to implement the second phase of the project with Rosatom to rehabilitate uranium tailings storage facilities in northern Tajikistan.

“We also consider it necessary to conduct an expert-led expedition to assess the state of our glaciers.  Due to climate change, Tajikistan’s glaciers, which account for up to 60% of Central Asia’s water resources, are melting at an alarming rate.  Energy cooperation was another key topic of discussion.”

Rahmon said they had had a detailed discussion on labor migration cooperation.  “Interagency efforts in this area will be enhanced, and measures will be taken to strengthen interregional ties. Currently, about 80 regions of Russia maintain trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties with Tajikistan.”

According to the Tajik leader, their negotiations also gave high marks to intergovernmental cooperation in security matters.  Over the past year, close and productive collaboration between special services and law enforcement agencies of the two countries has reportedly yielded concrete results.

“Our joint efforts in this field cover a wide range of security challenges and threats, including terrorism, extremism, radicalism, transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and drug trafficking,” Emomali Rahmon stated.