DUSHANBE, July 10, Asia-Plus — State and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation were discussed at a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with visiting Russian Vice-Premier also Special Representative of the Russian President to the CIS States Sergey Naryshkin in Dushanbe yesterday.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Rahmon, Naryshkin said, “I informed President Rahmon of our trips to the sites of the Sangtuda-1 and the Roghun power stations. Besides, we discussed a broad range of issues related to cooperation between our countries within the CIS and the Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC).”
On a progress of the construction of the Sangtuda-1 station, Russian official noted that administration of Russia’s Unified Energy Systems (RAO YeES) had confirmed that the station [the first generator] would be introduced into operation already by the end of this year.
According to Naryshkin, one of major topics of his talks with President Rahmon was also the issue of completing the construction of the Roghun power plant in Tajikistan.
“Experts from the two countries are currently conducting consultations,” said the vice –premier, “The Russian side is working out a draft agreement on this issue, and we are interested that the construction begins as soon as possible.”
He added that Russia is interested in participation in the Roghun hydroelectricity project. However, Naryshkin refrained from giving further comments.
Dwelling on relations among member nations of the CIS and the EAEC, Russian vice-premier underlined the importance of formation of the Customs Union. “At first, the Customs Union will be created by Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and then it will attract other partners,” said Naryshkin, “I hope Tajikistan will be among them.”
Besides, Russian official pointed out the significance of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). The bank is founded by Russia and Kazakhstan but it is open for other partners, Naryshkin said. “In my opinion, Tajikistan could be interested in participation in EDB’s activity, because the bank has resources for financing various projects, including the energy ones,” Russian vice-premier said.
