DUSHANBE, October 22, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon began his three-day visit to Russia on Wednesday with an informal meeting with his Russian counterpart, President Dmitry Medvedev, at the presidential residence Barvikha near Moscow.

The informal meeting took place yesterday evening

According to Russian media, speaking at Barvikha, Medvedev expressed hope that the Tajik leader''s visit would see a discussion of "all the issues that link our two states."  He noted that he intended to discuss all issues related to bilateral relations between Moscow and Dushanbe, “including numerous and serious links in all directions – economy, regional policy, humanitarian sphere and culture.”

President Rahmon expressed gratitude for invitation to pay a state visit to Russia.  "I am sure the visit will give an impetus to our relations," the Tajik leader said.  Rahmon considers that there are reserves in relations with Russia and it is necessary to develop them.

Today, the two leaders began official talks in the Kremlin, where they are expected to discuss the situation around a Russian military base in Tajikistan.

In September, the Tajik defense authorities denied rumors that Tajikistan would charge Moscow $300 million in rent for the base, Russia''s largest outside its borders, or that it could be closed.

The 201st Base has about 7,000 personnel, comprising three motorized infantry regiments, a self-propelled artillery regiment, an anti-aircraft missile regiment, and a combat helicopter group.

Official talks are expected to result in signing of a number of cooperation documents.