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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Rahmon, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to meet with you separately on the sidelines of our CSTO event to discuss further development of our bilateral relations.

Overall, matters are proceeding in accordance with our plans, which we coordinated during my recent visit. I wish to once again thank you for the warm reception extended to us in Tajikistan.

Progress is being made, and our governments are working on all priority areas. Most importantly, our trade turnover continues to grow. We also maintain constant contact on matters of regional security. We are fully aware of the situation at your borders. Our intelligence services and security ministries are cooperating closely.

Naturally, it is most useful to take this opportunity to meet in person and discuss all issues of special interest to both Tajikistan and Russia.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon: Mr Putin, thank you very much for the opportunity to meet.

I am delighted to accept your invitation to visit St Petersburg on December 21, as it is our tradition among friends to gather every year before the New Year – this has already become a custom.

Our bilateral relations are developing progressively. Trade turnover has increased by almost 20 percent compared to last year. In other words, there are no unresolved issues between our countries; everything is proceeding as planned. We agreed on this framework during your state visit, and now we will discuss all items on our agenda.

Thank you once again for this meeting.

Vladimir Putin: We look forward to welcoming you on December 21. I am sure this meeting will be pleasant, productive, and substantive.

We are preparing a rich programme, which you will find is connected to each of the republics. As you know, much of the cultural and historical value to all the peoples of the former Soviet space has been preserved from Soviet times, and I am certain you will find it interesting to explore.

Emomali Rahmon: During your state visit, you presented me with a most precious gift – the book entitled Tajiks.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, indeed. We will find something interesting this time too, something I am sure you will like.

Emomali Rahmon: Thank you.