The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, participated in ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, which took place in Moscow on May 9.
The Tajik president’s official website says Emomali Rahmon was warmly welcomed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.
Heads of state and government from 28 countries of the world reportedly arrived in Moscow to participate in this grand event.
While attending the military parade, Emomali Rahmon met and talked with a number of heads of state and government from countries around the world.
After the welcoming ceremony of the heads of state and government and heads of high-ranking delegations by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a military parade was held in the main center of ceremonial events – Red Square, in which a large number of military personnel participated.
A paratrooper company of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan also participated in the grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow.
After the military parade on Red Square, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the heads of official delegations laid wreaths in honor of the memory of the victims of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
The participation of the heads of state in the Great Victory celebration in Moscow ended with their joint commemorative photo session.
More than 300,000 residents of Tajikistan reportedly took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 — — that was 50 percent of the working-age population. More than 92,000 of them died in battle. 55 of residents of Tajikistan were given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Besides, 15 other Tajikistan's residents were Full Holders of the Order of Glory.
Victory Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, specifically the capitulation of Nazi forces to the Allies (the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, the United States and other principal Allied nations) on May 8, 1945.
In Russia and other countries of former Soviet Union, the day of Victory over Nazi Germany is celebrated on May 9, because when the German Instrument of Surrender actually entered into force (May 8, 1945 at 23:01 CET), it was already May 9 by Moscow time. Post-Soviet countries have continued the tradition.
