Russia-Tajikistan: presidents discuss economic ties

President Vladimir Putin received Emomali Rakhmonov, his Tajik counterpart, in the Kremlin. A bilateral intergovernmental cooperation commission made several far-reaching understandings during its latest session last March. Now, the two countries are to implement them--in particular, a project for Russian electricity exports to Tajikistan with prospects to spread them to Afghanistan, said President Putin. President Rakhmonov called to dot all i's and cross all t's in debt rescheduling, and step up military-technological partnership. It is high time to update the terms of a Russian military base in Tajikistan, and improve soldiers' living standards. Now, the contingent is putting up in dilapidated barracks built back in the 1930s, he stressed. The Russian President said he fully shared the visitor's concern. Russian troops stationed in Tajikistan deserve a better life, considering their trying and essentially important mission. In that, Russia relies on support of the host country and its President, pointed out Mr. Putin.