Presidents Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and Vladimir Putin of Russia are set to hold high-level discussions today as part of an official visit that began with informal engagements a day earlier.

Vladimir Putin arrived in Tajikistan on the evening of October 8 for a state visit, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries.

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, President Putin is accompanied on this trip by a high-ranking delegation, including deputy prime ministers and the ministers of defense, interior, economic development, finance, justice, industry, labor, education, health, and transport.  Also in attendance are the heads of the National Guard, Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Rosatom, the Russian Export Center, and other senior officials.

The Tajik president’s official website says Tajik President Emomali Rahmon extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Russian leader at Dushanbe International Airport.  As a symbol of high regard, the airport was adorned with the national flags of Russia and Tajikistan, portraits of both heads of state, and banners celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.

A ceremonial red carpet was laid out for the occasion, with an honor guard flanking both sides to greet the distinguished guest.

During a brief exchange at the airport, Presidents Rahmon and Putin reportedly discussed the upcoming program of the Russian leader’s state visit.  The talks also touched on Putin’s participation in the Central Asia–Russia Forum and the upcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The visit commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Ismoili Somoni in Dushanbe. This was followed by an informal dinner between the two presidents.

Today, they are scheduled to hold official talks at the National Palace, after which President Rahmon and President Putin will continue discussions in a private setting.

The leaders are expected to address a broad range of issues, including labor migration, and enhancing cooperation in politics, security, trade, culture, and social development.

According to TASS, following the official meeting, the two sides will sign a joint statement on expanding partnership and strategic cooperation.  The delegations are also expected to exchange several signed documents formalizing new areas of collaboration.

Afterward, Presidents Rahmon and Putin will hold a joint press conference for local and international media.

President Putin’s official engagements in Tajikistan are continuing today, with the Central Asia–Russia Summit scheduled for the afternoon.  The meeting will bring together the presidents of the five Central Asian nations and the Russian leader.  According to diplomatic sources, the summit serves as a key platform for dialogue between Russia and the region, focusing on strengthening multilateral cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, and security fields.

The Tajik Foreign Ministry reported that special attention will be given to enhancing coordination in the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other transnational threats.

The CIS Heads of State Council meeting is slated to take place on October 10.  He summit will be attended eight heads of state from member countries.  

Authorities have tightened security measures in the Tajik capital during Putin’s state visit and the international summits.  Several major roads, mosques, markets, and shopping centers in Dushanbe will remain closed for three to six days as part of the heightened security arrangements.