Today, in Dushanbe, Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda.
It was highlighted that Tatarstan places great importance on strengthening its cooperation with Tajikistan within the framework of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Tajikistan. Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude to the President of Tajikistan for the meeting during the BRICS summit in Kazan, where they had previously agreed on the details of this reciprocal visit.
In 2024, the trade turnover between Tatarstan and Tajikistan reached $77.3 million, more than doubling compared to previous years. However, both sides acknowledged that these figures do not fully reflect the potential for deeper cooperation. This working visit, accompanied by business leaders from Tatarstan, is seen as a significant step towards further boosting trade. Several Tatarstan enterprises are already supplying products to Tajikistan, including heavy trucks, automotive fuel, as well as oil and petrochemical products.
"We are keen to expand the presence of leading Tatarstan companies in your market. This includes potential supplies of helicopters, oil and gas equipment, compressors, refrigeration systems, agricultural machinery, automotive tires, and a broad range of household chemicals, medical supplies, and pharmaceutical products. At the same time, Tajikistan's companies could increase exports to Tatarstan, particularly in light industry and agriculture," stated Minnikhanov during the meeting. Furthermore, Tatarstan is ready to share its expertise in digitalizing public services, creating special economic zones, and developing industrial technoparks.
Tatarstan also values its cultural, educational, and sporting exchanges with Tajikistan. Over 900 students from Tajikistan currently study in Tatarstan's universities. Tajik films regularly participate in the Kazan International Film Festival "Altyn Minbar", and the Sabantui festival is held annually in Dushanbe, while the Somoniyon National Cultural Autonomy of Tajiks in Tatarstan is actively involved in the republic's public life.
President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, while emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia, expressed satisfaction that relations with Tatarstan were entering a new, active phase.
The two leaders discussed various areas of potential cooperation, including industry, energy, machine engineering, transportation, construction, and agriculture. The creation of joint ventures to process raw materials into finished products, such as silk and wool yarn, different types of fabrics, workwear, and furniture, was also proposed.
Both sides showed mutual interest in expanding collaboration in the textile sector and discussed future prospects in the pharmaceutical industry and joint production of medical goods.
There was also a shared understanding of the need to increase the number of scholarships for Tajik citizens to study in Tatarstan.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on a range of other topics of mutual interest.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT