Moscow, 5 October 2022 (TDI): The President of Russia Vladimir Putin called the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rehmon and congratulated him on his 70th birthday.

Both Presidents discussed mutual disposition for further strengthening the relationship between Russia and Tajikistan on the call, comprehensively.

Putin Award Rehmon with Order of Merit

President Putin awarded Emomali Rahmon with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland of the third degree. The official Internet portal of legal information of the Russian Federation published the corresponding decree.

The award was a symbol of a great personal contribution toward the strengthening of relations between the strategic partnership and alliance between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan.  The relationship would also ensure regional stability and security.

Also, read: Russia wishes China on 73rd anniversary 

Tajikistan and Russia relations

Russia and Tajikistan have a long history of ties that include shared customs, strong friendships, and profound cultural entanglement. Russia was one of the first nations to acknowledge Tajikistan’s sovereignty and independence.

The relationship between both countries took a new turn with the creation of diplomatic relations between the two states. Both states signed the protocol on April 8, 1992, in Dushanbe. On May 4, 1992, the Russian Federation’s embassy in Dushanbe was officially inaugurated. A Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance was signed between the two nations on May 25th, 1993.

Both states are close allies in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a military alliance comprised of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In Central Asia, Tajikistan is home to Russian military infrastructure. Tajikistan and Russia collaborate closely on Afghan-related matters. Furthermore, they are allies in counterterrorism, anti-drug, and intelligence activities.

Both states maintain active relations in a political sphere, including top-level contacts. Heads of the states regularly meet during state visits, working trips, and at various international forums. During meetings in various formats, the officials discuss the most topical issues of bilateral and multilateral Tajik-Russian cooperation in international interaction.

Tajikistan is heavily reliant on remittances coming from Russia. It received remittances from migrants worth US$3.595 billion in 2012, or around 48% of its GDP. Some 1.5 million Tajiks work abroad, mostly in Russia.