Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tajikistan on Wednesday for a series of meetings with leaders of former Soviet republics focused on regional cooperation and Moscow’s influence in Central Asia.

Putin is set to attend a Russia–Central Asia summit on Thursday alongside the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The discussions will later expand to include Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus at a broader Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) gathering.

The Russian leader, who limits foreign trips following an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over the deportation of Ukrainian children, has sought to strengthen ties with Asian partners as the war in Ukraine grinds on. His diplomatic push includes closer cooperation with China and North Korea, whose troops have reportedly joined the conflict.

Moscow aims to shore up regional alliances and address periodic instability caused by border disputes and internal rivalries.

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said military cooperation with Tajikistan is crucial to maintaining Central Asian stability, calling the current situation “very difficult.”

Putin is also expected to discuss the role of millions of migrant workers from Central Asia who send remittances home from Russia, a vital lifeline for several economies.

During his visit, Putin meets Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the region’s longest-serving leader, who previously criticised Moscow for not showing enough respect to its neighbours.

The Russian president is also scheduled to meet President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

Copied