Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed speculation that the country is preparing to apply for membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), despite rumors circulating in Russian media and on social networks ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Dushanbe.
Sharaf Rahimi, head of the CIS Department at Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters during a briefing on preparations for the upcoming CIS summit that membership in the EAEU is not on the agenda.
“This issue is not part of the meetings’ program, and we are not planning to discuss it. The upcoming summits are focused on cooperation and strengthening ties among CIS countries. The other format of cooperation — the ‘Central Asia–Russia’ summit — is aimed at deepening integration within the region and with Russia. These are separate formats and should not be confused with the EAEU,” Rahimi said.
Earlier this month, some Russian outlets, including Nezavisimaya Gazeta, reported that Tajikistan might announce its intention to join the EAEU during October’s high-level meetings. The speculation gained traction as Putin’s October 9–10 visit to Tajikistan approached.
Tajik officials, however, continue to stress that the issue is still under review. The Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zavqi Zavqizoda previously noted that an interagency working group is studying the potential benefits and drawbacks of membership and will submit its findings to the government.
For years, the prospect of Tajikistan joining the EAEU has sparked debate. Advocates highlight benefits such as visa-free movement, a common market, migrant labor protections, easier access to education and residence, and reduced customs tariffs. Yet EAEU members Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have repeatedly voiced frustrations over uneven implementation of these advantages.
Dushanbe is expected to host two major international gatherings in October: the CIS heads of state summit and the “Central Asia–Russia” summit. Both events will address political cooperation, security, economic integration, and cultural ties. Key decisions on migration policy and crime prevention are anticipated.
