President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,
Thank you for accepting our invitation and coming here. I know yesterday was your birthday, so please accept my warmest wishes on the occasion.
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon: Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: We are grateful to you for coming here despite your personal, family celebrations.
There is a need to discuss both bilateral relations and the situation in the region, which cannot but cause concern.
We are very happy to see you. Welcome.
Emomali Rahmon: Thank you very much, Mr President. I am happy to see you.
I would like to take up security issues within the CSTO responsibility zone because the Tajik-Afghan border runs through that zone. The situation in Afghanistan worsens with every day. Hostilities are underway along over 60 percent of the border. This is very alarming; therefore, today I would like to take up specifically matters of ensuring security in the region.
Thank you very much again for your invitation.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
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