Tajik president Emomali Rahmon has said that diplomacy must be pursued in the Caucasus after talks with Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev. The bilateral meeting came the day after leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Org

“Diplomatic solutions are my preference for solving disputes,” Rahmon told a news conference  in Dushanbe.

Russia's decision to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia will also be considered by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation at a Moscow summit on Monday.

First visit

This is the Russian President’s first visit to Tajikistan and the talks focused on bilateral cooperation and trade.

Medvedev recognised the successful advancement of joint hydro energy projects and announced new plans for expanding industrial and scientific cooperation.

He also said that besides the construction of the Sangtuda and Ragun hydro-power plants, Russia will take part in the construction of three generating facilities on Tajikistan's internal rivers.

“Cooperation in uranium and gas extraction will be broadened. If we work successfully, Tajikistan will have gas of its own in about three years,” Medvedev said.