IRIA News

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Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tajikistan on a three-day trip to attend the second Russia–Central Asia Summit and a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State.

The Russia–Central Asia Summit on October 9 brought together President Putin with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The discussions centered on trade expansion, investment opportunities, transport and energy connectivity, and regional security, particularly in relation to Afghanistan and the Middle East. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also featured prominently on the agenda.

Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon opened the summit, emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity. “We see today’s meeting as a logical continuation of the close partnership our states have cultivated across various formats. I am confident that its outcomes will give further impetus to the development of cooperation between Russia and Central Asia,” Rahmon said.

Russian President Putin emphasized Russia’s role as a key partner, noting that last year’s trade volume between Russia and the Central Asian states exceeded $45 billion. “Russia is firmly committed to strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance with your states, and deepening constructive political, economic, and cultural ties,” he said.

Putin highlighted transport integration, industrial cooperation, and energy collaboration, including hydroelectric projects, nuclear power plant construction, and renewable energy initiatives.

Putin also spoke on digital solutions for public administration, epidemiological security, and the ongoing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. “Terrorist organizations are still trying to use Afghanistan’s territory for extremist ideology and criminal activities. We are ready to support the incumbent authorities’ efforts to combat these threats,” he said.

Kazakh President Tokayev reinforced the need for connectivity and economic integration, emphasizing that Kazakhstan sees Russia as a gateway to global markets. He highlighted that trade between Russia and Kazakhstan alone reached $28 billion in 2024.

The Russia–Central Asia Summit concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué and a two-year action plan emphasizing trade, energy, transport, and security. The summit underscored Russia’s intent to maintain influence in the region while recognizing growing competition from the U.S., EU, and China.

CIS Leaders Meet to Advance Regional Cooperation

Following the Central Asia Summit, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State convened on October 10 at the National Palace in Dushanbe. Leaders from Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus participated, along with CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev and senior Russian officials.

President Rahmon welcomed participants, highlighting Tajikistan’s role as chair of the CIS for 2025. “We are always pleased to welcome friends and partners to our country, with whom we are united by shared interests and a common desire to expand cooperation,” he said. Discussions focused on trade, economic integration, digital initiatives, humanitarian cooperation, and transport connectivity.

Putin Praises CIS Achievements

President Putin praised the CIS for over three decades of progress, noting the development of a common market and humanitarian space. He highlighted that 96 percent of inter-CIS trade transactions in the first half of 2025 were conducted in national currencies. Putin also praised recent counterterrorism and border security cooperation and welcomed the CIS Plus format, which allows limited third-party participation.

During the meeting, leaders signed agreements on military cooperation, counterterrorism, border security, and anti-money laundering efforts. President Rahmon received the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation medal “For Special Contribution to Humanitarian Cooperation.”

The Dushanbe gatherings also addressed delicate bilateral issues. Earlier in the week, Putin met with Azerbaijani President Aliyev to discuss the December 2024 Azerbaijan Airlines crash over Kazakhstan, caused by Russian missile debris.

Putin assured Aliyev of full cooperation with the investigation and compensation efforts. “The two missiles that were launched did not hit the plane directly; all this is recorded in the ‘black boxes,’” he explained. Aliyev expressed gratitude for the clarification.

Regional Implications

The Dushanbe summits highlight both opportunities and challenges for Russia in Central Asia. Moscow aims to reinforce influence through security partnerships, investments, and transport connectivity, while the region increasingly balances relations with China, the EU, and the U.S. Domestic pressures, such as Tajikistan’s reliance on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, add urgency to tangible outcomes from these diplomatic engagements.

As both the Russia–Central Asia Summit and the CIS heads-of-state meeting concluded, leaders emphasized the importance of continued cooperation, regional stability, and shared economic growth. The outcomes of Dushanbe’s high-profile gatherings are expected to shape the political and economic landscape of Central Asia for years to come, particularly in trade, energy, transport, and security.