The Government of Tajikistan has approved cooperation agreements between the Khatlon region and three Russian regions — Leningrad, Kirov, and Penza.
The relevant resolutions were signed by President Emomali Rahmon in late February 2026.
Under the agreements, cooperation will develop in trade and economic, scientific and technical, social, cultural, and humanitarian areas.
The agreement with Leningrad Region was signed on June 24, 2025, in St. Petersburg, while the agreement with Kirov Region was signed on March 17, 2025, in Moscow.
In addition, the government approved a draft agreement with Penza Region. The head of Khatlon Province has been authorized to sign the document, with the date and venue to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
The agreements are expected to expand external economic ties, promote trade and scientific cooperation, and strengthen cultural and humanitarian links between the regions.
Local authorities in Khatlon, together with relevant ministries, have been tasked with implementing the agreements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will notify the Russian side once all domestic procedures required for the agreements to enter into force are completed.
According to customs data, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Russia reached approximately $2.47 billion in 2025, marking a roughly 25% increase compared to $1.98 billion in 2024.
