Russian President Vladimir Putin called Tajikistan a reliable ally of Russia.
"Our relations are very constructive and are developing at a good pace. Tajikistan is our reliable ally," Putin said in a conversation with the leader of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
Putin and President Rahmon met at the Igor complex in the Leningrad Region, a RIA Novosti correspondent reports. As the press service of the head of the republic reported earlier, Rahmon arrived in St. Petersburg to participate in an informal meeting of the leaders of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The Russian president also announced his readiness to increase the quota for students from the republic in the country's universities. According to the president, Moscow will increase the employment of Russian teachers in Tajikistan who teach in Russian.
In addition, Putin noted that Moscow continues to cooperate with Dushanbe in the field of security in the international arena. He drew attention to the importance of interregional cooperation between the countries.
The head of state also drew attention to the countries' cooperation in the economic sphere.
“The Russian Federation is in first place among Tajikistan's trade and economic partners and in second place in terms of investment volume. There was an increase last year and there will be an increase this year. It will be small, but it will still happen“, Putin noted.
Rahmon, in turn, suggested discussing issues of regional and global security, as well as the international situation. He also stressed that Russia is Tajikistan's main strategic partner.
The President of Tajikistan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Assistant for Foreign Affairs Azamsho Sharifi, Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma and other officials.