Russia and Tajikistan to strengthen cooperation in security

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon during their meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, February 27, 2017. (Reuters Photo) 

ASTANA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, while visiting Dushanbe on Monday, declared readiness to cooperate with Tajikistan in the field of security and stability.

The decision was made in a joint statement following Putin's meeting with Tajik President Emomalii Rahmon, local reports said. 

The two presidents discussed current situation in Afghanistan and highlighted the importance of ensuring its stability and development.

Putin and Rahmon also discussed necessity to work on law enforcement and coordination of the states' security agencies, as well as in the military and military-technical fields.

Russia and Tajikistan aim to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug and arms trafficking, the joint statement said.

Special attention was paid to the strengthening of international cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, migration, seducation, culture and tourism between the two countries.

Tajikistan is one of three central Asian countries Putin was visiting. He has already visited Kazakhstan and will visit Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday. (by Zhou Liang, Shi Hao)