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Russian, Tajik leaders move to tackle tensions

© RIA Novosti / Go to the mediabankRussian, Tajik leaders move to tackle tensions
Russian, Tajik leaders move to tackle tensions  - Sputnik International
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The presidents of Russia and Tajikistan met on Thursday and pledged to settle differences on energy projects, a military base and the Russian language's status in the ex-Soviet Central Asian state.

MOSCOW, October 22 (RIA Novosti) - The presidents of Russia and Tajikistan met on Thursday and pledged to settle differences on energy projects, a military base and the Russian language's status in the ex-Soviet Central Asian state.

Days ahead of the visit, Emomali Rakhmon called efforts under an agreement to build hydroelectric power plants in Tajikistan "unsatisfactory" and criticized Gazprom for delays in natural gas exploration and production in the country.

Rakhmon's decision to end the use of Russian as an official language also added to tensions with Moscow. Media reports in Russia had predicted a cool reception for Rakhmon in Moscow, also in the wake of his demand that Russia pay $300 million in a rent for a military base.

But speaking at a news conference after the talks in the Kremlin, Dmitry Medvedev called bilateral ties "friendly" and "those of allies."

"We have analyzed the results of the development of our relations recently, and discussed economic projects, military cooperation, and humanitarian projects," he said.

Rakhmon said: "Diverse relations with Russia are a priority in Tajikistan's foreign policy. Ties with Russia are not a standard format of cooperation between two states, but a responsible, long-term strategic choice."

The Tajik leader dismissed reports on restrictions on the use of the Russian language in his country, and said its status would not be reviewed. Both presidents also pledged steps to promote Russian in Tajikistan.

"We understand only too well that for decades Russian has been a door to science and a means of communication with a larger world for Tajikistan, and losing this capital would have been to our detriment," Rakhmon said.

Medvedev also pledged measures to facilitate migration rules for hundreds of thousands of Tajiks working in Russia.

On paying rent for the 201st military base, Russia's defense minister, who also took part in the Kremlin talks on Thursday, told the news conference that Russia and Tajikistan were still discussing the issue.

"We have considered two issues - either to continue using the base in the current form or on a paid basis," Anatoly Serdyukov said, adding that it was too early to discuss specific sums.

Serdyukov also said the two countries were negotiating Russian arms supplies. "We are preparing a large project to supply arms and munitions," he said without elaborating.

The presidents issued a statement after the talks pledging to step up military cooperation, highlighting the Russian base's role for security in the region, and ordering agencies in the two countries to accelerate natural gas prospecting in Tajikistan.

Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said the countries have overcome differences on a $30 million debt for electricity supplied to Tajikistan by the Sangtudin hydropower plant, and are set to sign documents on the repayment schedule.

Shmatko said Tajikistan would increase its asset contribution to the plant's equity capital, fulfilling its charter obligations. The country holds a 25% plus one share in the plant.

Speaking about gas prospecting, Shmatko said the efforts would be completed within 12-16 months.

Gazprom holds exploration and production licenses for two gas fields not far from Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe. Under a 2003 agreement, the Russian energy giant is also to build and repair pipelines.

Both the defense and energy ministers visited Tajikistan last and earlier this week respectively ahead of the president's visit to Russia.

Rakhmon has ruled the nation of 7.5 million almost since the collapse of the Soviet Union, maintaining close ties with Russia. The country, however, has recently moved to step up ties with the West.

 

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