Russian, Tajik presidents agree it is important to realize CIS free trade zone potential

DUSHANBE, February 27. /TASS/. Presidents of Russia and Tajikistan, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rakhmov, have agreed that it is important to boost integration processes, including through realizing the potential of the free trade zone within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), according to a joint statement signed by the two leaders on Monday following Putin’s official visit to Dushanbe. "The sides noted the importance of invigorating integrations processes in the region through complete realization of the potential of the free trade zone of the Commonwealth of Independent States," the document says. Apart from that, the two presidents noted the necessity to expand bilateral cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan within the CIS and the Collective Security Treaty Organizations (CSTO). The two presidents also announced their plans to cooperate on the international arena, first of all, within the United Nations, and "strengthen foreign policy coordination on topical issues of the regional and global agenda." According to the statement, Russia and Tajikistan will continue efforts within the CIS to get this association of states adapted to the present-day realities. "The two heads of state reiterated their commitment to the principles of continuity bearing in mind Russia’s chairmanship in the CIS in 2017 and Tajikistan’s chairmanship in 2018," the document says. Apart from that, Putin and Rakhmon agreed to promote cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Read more