Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon are engaged in official talks in Dushanbe, following informal meetings that kicked off Putin’s state visit to Tajikistan on October 8.
Putin arrived in the Tajik capital on October 6 evening, receiving full state honors including a ceremonial welcome at Dushanbe International Airport, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.
The arrival ceremony featured national flags, portraits of both leaders, and banners celebrating the enduring friendship between Russia and Tajikistan, with a red carpet and honor guard greeting the Russian delegation.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that President Putin is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including deputy prime ministers and ministers responsible for defense, interior, finance, justice, industry, economic development, labor, health, transport, education, and key federal agencies such as the National Guard and Rosatom.
The visit formally began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Ismoili Somoni, Tajikistan’s national hero, followed by an informal dinner hosted by President Rahmon.
Broad Agenda for Bilateral Cooperation
Today’s formal talks at the National Palace focus on a comprehensive agenda, including strengthening political dialogue, regional security cooperation, labor migration, trade relations, cultural exchanges, and social development. After the official session, the two presidents will continue discussions in a private setting.
The meetings are expected to conclude with a joint statement reinforcing strategic partnership and cooperation, alongside the signing of several intergovernmental agreements aimed at expanding bilateral collaboration.
A joint press conference will follow, where both leaders will address local and international media.
Regional Summits Highlight Multilateral Engagement
President Putin’s visit aligns with major regional forums hosted in Dushanbe this week, notably the Second Central Asia-Russia Summit, scheduled for later today. The summit brings together leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Russia, serving as a vital platform to boost multilateral cooperation in trade, energy, cultural ties, and security.
On October 10, the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will meet, with eight heads of state from member countries attending. The Tajik Foreign Ministry highlighted plans to focus on enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other transnational threats.
Heightened Security Measures in Dushanbe
To ensure the safety of delegations and maintain public order during Putin’s visit and the summits, Tajik authorities have implemented strict security protocols. Several key roads, mosques, markets, and shopping centers across Dushanbe remain closed for three to six days.
