Russia and Tajikistan give priority development of trade and economic ties and protection of the bilateral cooperation against the illegal Western sanctions.
TASS reports that the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted this at a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Qohir Rasoulzoda on June 8.
“Through the government, we ensure the implementation of the agreements reached by and give priority to development of trade and economic ties and protection of them against the illegal Western sanctions,” Mishustin said, noting that Tajikistan is one of major trading partners of Tajikistan.
In 2022, the two-way trade between the two countries reportedly rose 18 percent, reaching 105 billion Russian rubles.
“The value of Russia’s investment in Tajikistan’s economy is increasing. Russian companies are actively working in Tajikistan’s hydropower, healthcare, digital economy, tourism and a number of other sectors,” the Russian premier was cited as saying.
According to him, a special attention is also paid to the bilateral cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan in cultural and humanitarian areas.
Mishustin also noted five Russian-language schools that were built under financial support of the Russian Federation have been functioning in Tajikistan since September 1 last year.
Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda participated in a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council that took place in the Russian city of Sochi on June 7-9 as part of Russia's presidency in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2023. Tajik prime minister participated in the meeting as invited guest.
It is to be noted that Tajikistan’s foreign policy trajectories have not drastically changed. In light of the so-called “special military operation” launched by Russia in Ukraine only a few new actors entered its foreign policy scene, while traditional strategic players remain the same.
As for Russia, this year it clearly became more interested in Tajikistan than it used to be over the last few years. As a result of sanctions, Russia is looking for new economic partners.
