Putin Reminded Tajikistan Counterpart about Soviet Naval Experience

08.10.2012 When visiting Dushanbe, Russian president Vladimir Putin presented his Tajikistan counterpart Emomalii Rahmon with a copy of his [Rahmon's] sailor identification card, reports ITAR-TASS.

The gift was handed over to the Tajikistan president on the occasion of his jubilee. Rahmon turned 60 on Oct 5.

Commenting the present, Putin said that the Tajikistan leader "had passed through the combat mill so must be aware of what high-grade armed forces mean".

After graduation from high school, Emomalii Rahmon used to work at factory for some time and then served at Soviet Pacific Fleet in 1971-1974.

As was earlier reported, Putin also presented Rahmon with a sniper rifle as a birthday gift.

Vladimir Putin is paying official visit to Tajikistan. In particular, the presidents signed an agreement prolonging deployment period of Russian military base in Tajikistan till 2042. Putin promised that Russia for its part would help to modernize Tajik armed forces. In addition, Russian president said that Tajik migrant workers in Russia would be allowed to obtain 3-year long labor permits.