Russia, Tajikistan boost military, political and economic cooperation - Putin

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. Relations between Russia and Tajikistan have been successfully developing in economic, political and military areas, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday with Tajikistan’s leader Emomali Rahmon. Describing bilateral relations as strategic partnership between two allies, Putin said: "We have developed political dialogue and we have been cooperating in military area, in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and on the international arena. Our economic relations have been also developing," he stated. The Russian president suggested discussing at talks each area in detail. In his turn, Tajikistan’s president also called Russia a key strategic partner and ally. "Russia has a leading position in Tajikistan’s trade and economic cooperation. The cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian area between the sides is on the rise. I’m sure that today’s meetings will give a new impetus to further deepening this entire relationship between our countries," the Central Asian state’s president said. At the meeting, Russia is also represented by First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov. Later the talks will continue with other delegation members. The sides are expected to sign bilateral documents and the two presidents will make press statements. Read more