Tajikistan Extends Russia's Military Presence

A new military agreement between Russia and Tajikistan will open new opportunities for bilateral cooperation just as both countries are experiencing growing challenges to their security. Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon said after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Aug. 1 that Tajikistan's parliament will ratify an agreement extending Russia's military presence in the country until 2042. With a Tajik presidential election in November and the U.S. military exit from neighboring Afghanistan looming in 2014, Rakhmon has an interest in solidifying ties with his country's traditional security guarantor at this sensitive time.