Tajikistan’s president off to Russia for informal CIS meeting

Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon has departed for Russia to take part in an informal meeting of CIS heads of state, local media report, citing the presidential press service.

Rahmon is accompanied by the Foreign Minister and his aide for international relations during the trip to Saint Petersburg.

The informal CIS leaders' meeting, scheduled for December 22, is an annual pre-New Year gathering hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It typically features a relaxed format with discussions on cultural, humanitarian, and low-key political cooperation among the CIS members.

The participating heads of state are expected to discuss regional cooperation and future integration efforts.

By Khagan Isayev