Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 28
By Elena Kosolapova – Trend:
Tajik and Russian presidents, Emomali Rahmon and Vladimir Putin discussed cooperation in military and other spheres in a meeting on Feb. 27 in Dushanbe, Tajik presidential press service reported.
Putin is on an official visit to Tajikistan.
Discussing the issues related to security in the region, the two presidents noted the importance of coordination of joint activities of law enforcement and security agencies, as well as cooperation in military and military-technical spheres.
The parties expressed hope for further coordinated action in line with the agreement between the two countries on the status and terms of stay of the Russian military base in Tajikistan.
It was agreed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking and other challenges and threats to the national security and regional stability.
The parties noted that the relations between the two countries are based on respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, openness, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Rahmon and Putin confirmed their commitment to strengthening the political dialogue and inter-parliamentary ties in particular.
Trade and economic cooperation were also discussed in the meeting and the presidents noted a mutual interest in increasing the volume of bilateral trade, development of long-term economic cooperation and deepening investment cooperation.
Putin and Rahmon also discussed cooperation in transportation and communications, including air, rail and road transportation.
The sides also stressed the importance of intensification of integration processes.
It was noted that the Tajik-Russian cooperation in the renewable energy, including hydropower, is one of the important areas of partnership between the two countries. The Russian side expressed interest in further cooperation with Tajikistan in the development of its hydropower capacity, taking into account the region's increasing demand for electricity.
The parties agreed to fully promote investment activities to establish effective joint ventures.
The two presidents also expressed mutual readiness to further cooperate in the emergency situations, including those related to natural and technogenic disasters.
It was noted that some measures will be taken to improve the legal mechanisms of labor migration regulation, including the establishment of appropriate social conditions for migrant workers.
Putin and Rahmon also exchanged views on topical international issues and stressed a mutual desire to promote peace, security and stability in the region and the world.
In the meeting, President Vladimir Putin invited his Tajik counterpart to visit Russia at any convenient time. The invitation was accepted.