On Friday March 3, Tajik Prime Minister Qiohir Rasoulzoda held talks with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the parties discussed issues related to trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan, interaction in energy, industrial production, transport and culture.

Rasoulzoda, in particular, noted that Russian prime minister’s visit offered an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on the current aspects of our bilateral relations with a focus on trade and economic ties.

According to him, the relations of strategic partnership and alliance between Tajikistan and Russia are noted for a high level of trust and steadfast mutual support. Russia is one of Tajikistan’s largest foreign economic partners.

Last year, the bilateral trade between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Russian Federation grew to over US$1.7 billion, which is 23.7 percent more than in 2021, Tajik prime minister noted.

“Our President outlined the main areas for the further development of the Tajik-Russian economic ties. Our main task is to ensure the full implementation of the instructions issued by our heads of state.  Our trade and economic relations obviously have huge potential, and we are ready to work closely together with our Russian colleagues to make sure that it is used in full,” Rasoulzoda said.

Russian prime minister, for his part, noted that Tajikistan is Russia’s strategic partner and ally in Central Asia. 

“Pursuant to the agreements reached by President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the governments are actively working towards fulfilling these plans and developing trade and economic cooperation.  You said our trade is worth over US$1.6 billion. It is good to see investment grow (around US$1.7 billion) but our countries still have great potential in this area,” Mishustin said.

Russian prime minister also noted the importance of the Russian Teacher Abroad humanitarian project.  This international project was launched in Tajikistan in 2017. This year, 74 Russian teachers are teaching in secondary schools in Tajikistan,” Mishustin said.