DUSHANBE, 25.11.2020 (NIAT Khovar) – Today, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali met with the Deputy Chairman of the Russian government, Co-Chair of the Tajik-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Alexei Overchuk.

The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia within the framework of existing legal acts.

The Tajik-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was assessed as an important mechanism for the implementation of bilateral relations.

It was noted that the areas of cooperation between the two countries have always been in the focus of the Tajik and Russian presidents.

Rustam Emomali noted that the legal framework of the parties consists of about 300 interstate and intersectoral agreements, the quality of implementation of which requires significant improvement.

In this regard, special attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, which is a priority area of bilateral relations. It was noted that over the first eight months of this year, the trade turnover between the two countries has amounted to $720,000,000.

In connection with the industrialization of the country’s economy, which has been declared a strategic priority, it was considered acceptable to establish joint ventures, including in free economic zones.

The officials expressed their interest in developing cooperation in the mining and processing industries, fuel, energy, agriculture, as well as light and food industries.

Rustam Emomali explained as appropriate the establishment of the Interstate Council for the direct attraction of Russian capital to Tajikistan.

The parties also discussed issues of mutual interest in the export and import of food products, vegetables and fruits.

It was noted that the cultural and humanitarian cooperation, especially in the field of education, has many opportunities and resources. Favorable conditions for learning Russian will be created in Tajikistan. Every year, more than 50 teachers from Russia are sent to schools in Tajikistan.

Rustam Emomali also expressed his opinion on accelerating the construction of five educational institutions in Tajikistan on the basis of mutual agreement.

The parties noted the importance of issues relating to the labor migration in the context of the pandemic and stressed the need to restore regular air communication between the two countries.

Rustam Emomali expressed his confidence that Alexei Overchuk, as Co-Chair of the Tajik-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, will make a valuable contribution to the development and strengthening of comprehensive strategic and allied relations between the two countries.