Moscow has become the backdrop for renewed discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations. On March 17, 2025, the two leaders met to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations, addressing several key areas including trade, security, and cultural ties.
During their meeting, President Putin took the opportunity to congratulate Tajikistan and its people on the upcoming Novruz holiday, saying, "I want to wish you and all our friends in Tajikistan all the best." This festive occasion, celebrated on March 21, symbolizes spring and renewal, reinforcing the friendly ties shared between the two neighboring countries.
Economic cooperation was foremost on the agenda, with President Putin declaring the importance of Tajik citizens working within Russia, stating, "It is well known approximately one million citizens of Tajikistan live and work here. They are involved in various sectors, especially construction, transport, and logistics, contributing significantly to the development of the Russian economy."
Indeed, the presence of the Tajik workforce has been pivotal, with Putin recognizing their contributions as substantial. He commented, "Russia seeks to provide Tajik citizens working here with decent working conditions and social protection," illustrating Russia's commitment to ensuring their well-being.
Trade relations have also seen remarkable growth. By the end of 2024, the trade turnover between Russia and Tajikistan increased by nearly 20%, underscoring Russia's status as Tajikistan's leading trade and economic partner. President Rahmon underscored this sentiment, stating, "Russia is the leading trade and economic partner of Tajikistan," which cements the foundation of their diplomatic relations.
Further solidifying their cooperation, the two leaders signed agreements on military and military-technical collaboration aimed at building strategic partnerships through to 2030. This partnership was reinforced by military officials from both nations who finalized the framework for future development during the meeting.
President Putin also took this moment to thank President Rahmon for the care taken to promote the Russian language within Tajikistan. He remarked, "We are very grateful to the President of Tajikistan for such careful attention to the Russian language, which has constitutional status as the language of interethnic communication. This is reflected in the opening of several Tajik schools where Russian is taught, thanks to President Rahmon's initiatives, with plans for more Russian teachers to be introduced going forward."
The underlying theme of the meeting was the unity of both countries on major regional and international issues. Putin noted, “Our talks confirmed the unity of our positions on key regional and international issues,” emphasizing adherence to principles of sovereignty and non-interference. The collaboration within organizations such as the CSTO, SCO, and CIS was also highlighted, which demonstrates their commitment to collective security.
Proudly, Rahmon emphasized their historical partnership, stating, "Tajikistan and Russia are ancient strategic partners and allies. It is gratifying to see our relations developing dynamically." Underlying the meeting was the recognition of shared geopolitical interests, particularly as Tajikistan prepares to host the upcoming CIS summit in October 2025.
On the sidelines of the official visit, Rahmon also engaged in discussions with other regional leaders, reflecting the broader diplomatic efforts of both nations to address pressing international concerns. Just two days prior, they had participated together with Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in telephone conversations aimed at reinforcing regional ties.
The Kremlin meeting concluded on amicable terms, with both leaders expressing satisfaction with the outcomes and the shared perspective of progressing together toward greater economic cooperation and security. Rahmon encapsulated the spirit of the discussions with his closing remarks, reinforcing his commitment to the deepening friendship between Russia and Tajikistan.
