Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Moscow to address migration-related issues and preparations for the joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Additionally, the sides are expected to sign several bilateral documents, including a cooperation program between their foreign ministries for 2025-2026.
Migration Issues
Ahead of the meeting, Muhriddin announced his intention to discuss migration. He highlighted cases where Tajik citizens, including students, were detained at Russian airports for mobile phone checks or other reasons, as well as difficulties encountered at the Russian border. However, he noted that several of these issues have already been addressed through diplomatic channels, government efforts, and high-level discussions.
Progress has been made in organizational measures, such as the implementation of pre-departure medical examinations in Tajikistan, enabling citizens to obtain the necessary documentation before traveling to Russia. Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs passport and visa service is functioning actively in Dushanbe. Organized labor recruitment programs have also improved, with 15,000 Tajik citizens sent to Russia in 2023.
“Things aren’t all bad; we are working on it, and our Russian partners are cooperative,” said Muhriddin before the meeting, expressing confidence in further improvements in migration relations with Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged the sensitivity of migration issues, calling it an “important component of bilateral relations.” The ministry assured that Russia responds appropriately to requests from Tajikistan and provides comprehensive explanations for measures implemented by law enforcement to ensure national security.
Counterterrorism and Security Challenges
Security concerns are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Tajikistan, with its 1,344-kilometer border with Afghanistan, has frequently voiced its deep concerns about the situation in the neighboring country. Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry has noted increased activity by terrorist and extremist groups in Afghanistan, a view shared by Russia.
To address these threats, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) approved an interstate program in 2024 to strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border. The ministers may review the implementation of this program and explore additional measures to bolster security in Central Asia.
The counterterrorism agenda has gained additional urgency following last year’s terrorist attack at the “Crocus City Hall” concert venue near Moscow, which resulted in 144 deaths and 551 injuries. The following day, four individuals heading toward the Ukrainian border were detained in Bryansk Region. Later, several accomplices—some of whom were Tajik nationals—were apprehended.
Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Semen Grigoryev stated that Tajik law enforcement is actively involved in the investigation. He emphasized that cooperation between the countries’ intelligence services continues, though details remain confidential due to the nature of the investigation.
Allied Relations and Economic Prospects
Another topic on the agenda is cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In 2025, Tajikistan will assume the CIS chairmanship from Russia, and the Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its readiness to assist Tajikistan in organizing events within this framework. Discussions will likely include regional developments aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances.
Economic cooperation will also be a key focus. According to Russian Ambassador Grigoryev, trade turnover between Russia and Tajikistan reached nearly $2 billion in 2024. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the 2024-2027 economic cooperation program between the two governments could increase this figure by 2.5 times by 2030.
The new program envisions collaboration in trade, industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, energy, finance, and digital technology, further solidifying economic ties between Russia and Tajikistan.
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Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials