DUSHANBE, 24.11.2020 (NIAT Khovar) – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Tajikistan Rustam Emomali arrived on an official visit to Russia at the invitation of the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko. This is Rustam Emomali’s first international visit as Speaker of the National Assembly of Tajikistan.

Following the official welcoming ceremony, Rustam Emomali and the Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko had a one-on-one discussion. Later the talks continued in an expanded format.

The discussion focused on the current state and prospects for the developing of inter-parliamentary relations as well as enhancing the work of Tajik – Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

When exchanging opinions on stronger economic links, the two sides highlighted the need to establish joint ventures in Tajikistan.

Attracting Russian advanced technologies to various sectors of the Tajik economy for processing of raw materials and export of final finished product were also mentioned.

Both sides also focused on cooperation in labor migration with the primary goal of simplification of procedures for registration and obtaining a patent for work and the next stage of amnesty for Tajik labor migrants. The resumption of regular flights between the two countries was also touched upon.

While exchanging views on the current regional agenda, they noted the enhancing security collaboration and implementation of previously ratified agreements on military and military-technical cooperation.

They also discussed further ways of promoting bilateral cooperation in science, education, culture and humanitarian areas.

There are over 25,000 young people from Tajikistan studying at Russian universities.

The issue of return of Tajik students to continue their studies in the Russian Federation, who were unable to attend classes due to the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed during the meeting.

The progress of implementing bilateral agreement on the construction of a five secondary schools in Tajikistan with Russian-language lesson was also considered.

Concluding the talks, the sides expressed their optimism about the prospects of strategic cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope that that the visit of the Speaker of National Assembly of Tajikistan Rustam Emomali to Russia will give new impetus to the multifaceted relations between the two nations.

Rustam Emomali thanked Valentina Matviyenko for invitation and the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during his visit to Russia. He extended invitations to Speaker of the Federation Council to visit Tajikistan.