DUSHANBE, November 12, 2008, Asia-Plus — Outgoing Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mr. Ramazan Abdulatipov, conferred here Wednesday with President Emomali Rahmon at the end of his tenure to Tajikistan.
In the course of the talks, Rahmon and Abdulatipov discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation
Speaking to reporters following a meeting with President Rahmon, Ambassador Abdulatipov noted that practically all agreements singed between Russia and Tajikistan in October 2004 had been implemented except the agreement on completing the construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power station (HPS) singed between the Tajik government and Russia’s private company Russian Aluminum (RusAl).
He reminded that during Russian President Medvedev’s official visit to Tajikistan last August, the sides had reached an agreement on construction of three small power plants. A joint working group is currently considering this issue, according to him.
“We have worked on expansion of not only bilateral but also multilateral ties,” said Ambassador Abdulatipov, “We have always verified our plans. Today, I will hand over a package of proposals on international policy to the foreign minister.”
Highly appraising authority of President Rahmon, the ambassador noted that it was necessary to get potentials and opportunities of the republic and its president involved in tackling regional problems.
“In opinion of our president, Russia should strengthen its economic foundation and military presence in Tajikistan. For this, there is will of heads of our states and what is the most important thing the will of our peoples,” Abdulatipov said.
Abdulatipov promised that he would provide assistance to Tajik labor migrants working in Russia in the future as well.
He noted that during his tenure a trade between Russian and Tajikistan had tripled to US$1 billion. Abdulatipov outlined sectors like mining, construction and energy as areas of which could drive the bilateral trade between the two countries.
The ambassador also noted that Russia could play qualitatively new role in integration of Central Asia’s states.
