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Vladimir Putin, Emomali Rakhmon to hold talks in Moscow

Last time the two leaders met in Bishkek in May “on the sidelines” of the informal CSTO summit

Photo ITAR-TASS / Mikhail Klimentyev

Photo ITAR-TASS / Mikhail Klimentyev

MOSCOW, August 1 (Itar-Tass) - The presidents of Russia and Tajikistan, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rakhmon, on Thursday will hold talks in Moscow. According to the press service of the RF President, “On July 26, Putin and Rakhmon discussed in a telephone conversation some practical issues related to the preparation of the Tajikistani leader’s visit to Russia.”

On the eve of the visit, first deputy head of the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan Saifullo Safarov said that, in particular, “the two countries’ leaders are expected to discuss issues related to the fulfilment of the agreements on duty-free supplies of Russian oil products, military-technical assistance in the modernisation of the Tajikistani army, the timing of the ratification of the interstate agreement on Russia’s 201st military base, according to which it will be functioning in Tajikistan until 2042.” Russia ratified the agreement this April.

During his visit to Moscow Rakhmon is accompanied by a major delegation that includes the ministers of defence, economic development and trade, energy and industry, the head of the migration service.

Last time the two leaders met in Bishkek in May “on the sidelines” of the informal CSTO summit. In October 2012, Russian President visited Dushanbe during the celebration of the 60th birthday of Tajikistan’s head. Putin then brought Rakhmon two gifts - a military and memorable one - a rifle with a scope sight and a registration card of the USSR Navy’s sailor (the Tajikistani leader did military conscription service in the Pacific).

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