Putin calls Tajikistan a reliable ally of Russia

Tajikistan is a reliable ally of Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this during talks with his counterpart Emomali Rakhmon on December 24.

"Our relations are very constructive, developing at a good pace. Tajikistan is our reliable ally and a good economic partner," the Russian leader said.

The head of state added that Moscow ranks first among Dushanbe's trade and economic partners. Putin also expressed hope for further fruitful cooperation.

In addition, he noted that Russia continues to cooperate with Tajikistan in the field of security in the international arena. In addition, the issue of students was also touched upon. Putin said he was ready to increase the quota of students from Tajikistan in universities.

Putin and Rakhmon hold bilateral talks at the Igora resort in Leningrad Oblast December 24.

Putin and Rakhmon last met in November at the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Astana. Before that, on September 7, Putin congratulated the Tajik president on the 33rd anniversary of the republic's independence. At the time, the Russian leader recalled that Russia and Tajikistan successfully cooperate within the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the UN and other multilateral structures.