DUSHANBE, December 24, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Igor Lyakin-Frolov visited Moscow State University’s Branch in Dushanbe on December 23.

Russian diplomat reportedly got acquainted with the Branch facilities and met with students and teachers.

Ambassador Lyakin-Frolov, in particular, noted that Moscow considered Tajikistan as its strategic partner and expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

He stressed that Russia and Tajikistan shared similar stances on international and regional issues “that is foundation for close cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations.”

“Russia is an important trading partner of Tajikistan and a two-way trade between the two nations is expected to reach or even exceed one billion U.S. dollars this year,” noted Russian diplomat.  “Besides, Russia is a large investment partner of Tajikistan and it in the first place in terms of investments in Tajikistan’s economy.”

Some 25 Russian-Tajik joint ventures now operate in Tajikistan; among them are Gazpromneft-Tajikistan, Megafon, etc.

Lyakin-Frolov also highly appraised the level of educational cooperation between the two countries, noting that the Russian Embassy in Dushanbe would provide assistance to Moscow State University’s Branch in Dushanbe in the future as well.

The Branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University was opened in Dushanbe on September 14, 2009.

Lomonosov Moscow State University is the largest university in Russia.  Founded in 1755, it also claims to be the oldest university in Russia and the tallest educational building in the world.

Branches of Moscow State University now function in Sevastopol (Ukraine), in a number of Russian cities, Astana (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).