DUSHANBE, August 19, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart, President Medvedev, on sidelines of a quadrilateral summit in Sochi involving the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamid Karzai and Asif Ali Zardari.

According to Russia’s Itar Tass, Emomali Rahmon said he was generally satisfied with the dynamics of bilateral relations and the steady tendencies in trade between the two countries.

“I’m really glad at an opportunity to meet with you, as this meeting will give us a chance to discuss the things that have been done already, as well as our plans for the future,” Rahmon said.

Tajik leader noted that relations between Russia and Tajikistan were free of any serious unresolved problems.  As regards the absence of any major problems in the Tajikistani-Russian relations, Rahmon said: “I think this is how it should be between strategic partners and allies.”

President Medvedev, for his part, said that Tajikistan had put forth a very good initiative.  “These contacts appear to be very important in the regional dimension,” he said.

Russian president proposed that Moscow and Dushanbe work to improve joint responses to natural disasters, such as the wildfires in Russia and January''s quakes in Tajikistan, Russia’s RIA Novosti reported.

Medvedev said this year has brought severe natural disasters to Russia, Tajikistan and Pakistan, where millions have been affected by severe flooding.  "On these issues, I believe it makes sense to discuss measures for joint support and assistance," he noted.  Medvedev suggested talking one to one first and then with key ministers.