Putin: Russia in 'close contact' with Tajikistan over Afghanistan security

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday assured his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon that Moscow remains in "close contact" with Dushanbe over security concerns stemming from neighboring Afghanistan, describing bilateral relations as a "truly strategic partnership" during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, according to Anadolu Agency.

Afghanistan security concerns

"We are aware of your concerns about what is happening in our neighboring country, Afghanistan, and we are in close contact on these and other security-related issues," Putin told Rahmon during their talks. Rahmon said relations were developing successfully across all areas including trade, security and humanitarian cooperation, adding that he expected the leaders to review bilateral ties alongside pressing regional and international issues.

Trade and educational ties

Putin highlighted that trade turnover between the two countries rose 25.1% last year and increased another 25% in the first half of this year, with approximately 320 Russian-participated enterprises currently operating in Tajikistan and generating significant local employment. He noted that more than 96% of bilateral transactions are now conducted in national currencies, adding that cooperation extends to education and culture where 6,000 children attend Russian-language schools in Tajikistan while over 35,000 Tajik students pursue higher education at Russian universities.

Cooperation with Mongolia

Separately, Putin held talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on the summit sidelines, announcing that trade turnover between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar grew 4.5% last year and 18% in the first half of 2026. Putin said an interim trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia — which took effect in July — would provide preferential access for traditional Mongolian exports across the union's customs territory, supporting Ulaanbaatar's key economic sectors. Khurelsukh emphasized that Mongolia prioritizes ties with Russia and noted that bilateral visits have intensified significantly in recent years, while Putin remarked that the two countries cooperate constructively in multilateral organizations with aligned positions on many international issues.