"What we mapped out in the trade-economic sphere is developing. This will serve as a good basis for the development of relations both in the political and humanitarian spheres," the Russian president said during a meeting with Tajik president Emomaly Rakhmonov.
"We have done a large volume of mutual work. We have not seen each other for a long time but periodically called each other, and I received your message recently," the head of the Russian state told the Tajik guest.
The Tajik president called last year's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Sochi a historic one. "This place where we met a year ago is a historic one - all issues were settled here, and during your visit to Tajikistan we signed agreements which are already yielding fruit," Rakhmonov noted.
In his words, bilateral trade has grown by 70%. "Tajikistan's top priority in developing relations is the implementation of the programs and projects signed during the visit of the Russian president to Dushanbe", the Tajik president said.
In Rakhmonov's words, RAO UES head Anatoly Chubais will visit the republic on April 15 to begin talks on the construction of the Sangtudinskaya hydro power station.
This year Russky Alyuminy intends to invest $25 million in the construction of the Rogunskaya hydro power station, he said.
The Tajik Aluminum Plant is planning to produce 400,000 metric tons of aluminum this year, which is more than in the best years in the Soviet Union, he noted.
The Tajik president stated his wish to discuss with Vladimir Putin the processes taking place in Central Asia. "Kyrgyzstan is one of our nearest neighbors and I would like to discuss these issues with you. I hope that we will find mutually-advantageous, mutually-acceptable solutions to these crises," Rakhmonov said.
The heads of government of the member-countries of Central Asian Cooperation were to meet in Bishkek. A meeting between Rakhmonov and Putin was also planned to be held there, however, owing to the events in Kyrgyzstan, it was canceled.
Telling about the course of the CSTO military exercise, Rakhmonov said that he had met with the Russian defense minister. "Preparations for the exercise went throughout the year at a very high level", Rakhmonov said. The units of the Kyrgyz defense ministry and Kyrgyz representatives are taking part in the exercise.
At present, the tactical exercise has entered the concluding stage at the test range.
