Russian, Tajik leaders discuss situation in Afghanistan

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Afghanistan with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference following the meeting, the two leaders stressed the importance of the Afghan settlement for the stability in the region.

The Russian president welcomed the decision to hold another meeting between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Afghanistan in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on April 18-19.

Putin and Rahmon also announced their plans to deepen the military cooperation.

"The Tajik side will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the implementation of the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan on the status and conditions of stay of the Russian military base on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan dated October 5, 2012," Rahmon said.

The two presidents also expressed concerns over the conflicts in the Middle East and stressed the importance of strengthening fight against terrorism in time of growing tensions.