DUSHANBE. 24 May. Asia-Plus -- Russia is ready to consider an opportunity for providing assistance to Tajikistan affected by natural disasters and economic crisis. According to Russian media sources, these issues were discussed at a meeting between Tajik Prime Minister Aqil Aqilov with his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.

Russian PM said that “everyone suffer from the global crisis.” However, he said, “Tajikistan is also facing the problems of natural disasters. We are aware about that and I am ready to discuss everything connected with resolution of these difficulties,” Mr. Putin has said.

He noted that he was satisfied by the positive assessment of the role of Russian military base located in Tajikistan which provided emergency assistance to disaster victims.

Aqil Aqilov, on his turn, called Russia to provide assistance. “I would like to ask you to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan,” he said.

In early May 16 people died, 40 missed as a result of mudslides which occurred in south Tajikistan. Recent disasters have destroyed more than 1.500 houses, tens of bridges, hundreds kilometers of highways and caused severe damage to 2.500 hectares of crop lands. Mudslides destroyed communication lines and caused severe damage to social facilities.