Russia and Tajikistan are carrying out joint military exercises

Three-day Russian-Tajik command and staff exercise has started today on the territory of Tajikistan.

This exercise is a regular one, RIA Novosti was told at the headquarters of the 201st mechanized infantry division, deployed in this Central Asian republic. It is aimed at improving coordination between the two countries' various services in repelling possible attacks by international terrorists at the Tajik-Afghan border.

Regiments of the Tajik armed forces, armour and assault aircraft are taking part in the exercise. From the Russian side the maneuvers are directed by Colonel General Nikolai Tkachev, Chief of Staff of the Volga-Urals Military District, which the 201st division is assigned to. From the Tajik side Vice Minister of Defence Major General Abdulnazar Abdulasanov is in charge.

On March 24, the last day of the maneuvers, joint firing exercises will be held at the Momirak training ground near the city of Kulyab 230 kilometres to the east from Dushanbe.