Russia and Tajikistan will create a joint air defense system.
Interfax says Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu remarked this today at a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo in Dushanbe.
“In order to increase the reliability of border protection in the airspace, the sides have prepared a draft agreement on creation of a joint regional air defense system of Russia and Tajikistan,” said the Russian defense minister. “I propose to sign this agreement at the end of the agreement.”
Shoigu reportedly also invited representatives of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense to participate in the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security, the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2021” and the International Army Games.
Besides, Shoigu promised to increase quota for Tajik cadets to study at higher military schools in the Russian Federation and said that he is waiting for the military contingent of the republic at strategic war game, dubbed West-2021, according to Interfax.
Recall, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon last instructed the relevant structures to approve and sign a draft agreement between Tajikistan and Russia on the creation of a joint regional air defense system.
An appropriate decree was signed by the head of Tajikistan on September 12, 2020.
The agreement is concluded for a period of five years. In the future, its effect is automatically extended for the next five years, if none of the parties notifies of its intention to terminate it.