Chairperson of Russia’s upper house (Federation Council) of parliament, Mrs. Valentina Matviyenko, today told journalists in Dushanbe after a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon that they had discussed issues related to regional economic cooperation,  particularly within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).   

Russian parliament speaker stressed that all countries joined the Union on a parity basis.  The Union aims to promote modernization of the economies of these countries and expand cooperation, Mrs. Matviyenko said.

“Tajikistan’s authorities have the right to make decision on this matter, but it seems to me that the Eurasian Economic Union has shown its efficiency, it is open [to new members], the zone of free trade with Vietnam exists.  I think it would be beneficial to Tajikistan as well, but Tajikistan leadership has the last word on making decision,” Russian official noted.   

On the China’s expanding influence in the region, Matviyenko noted that that factor was not the cause of concern for Russia.

According to her, both Russia and Tajikistan and China are expanding “multi-vector cooperation with different countries, proceeding from their economic interests.”

“I do not see here any contradictions or threats, because Russia is actively expanding cooperation with China.  Therefore, we are interested in expansion of cooperation with Tajikistan and other Central Asia’s nations.  I think we have a huge potential for expansion of cooperation with Tajikistan and no any country can prevent us from this,” Matviyenko said. 

She further added that “all parties must be friends with each other and compete for cooperation.”