MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down Wednesday in Tajikistan for a three-day visit dominated by talks with the leaders of a region where Moscow’s historic dominance is under threat. The Kremlin strongman is set to meet on Thursday with the heads of Central Asia’s five ex-Soviet states where China and Europe have been vying for influence in Russia’s backyard. Tajik leader Emomali Rakhmon welcomed Putin on arrival in the capital Dushanbe, according to images broadcast on Russian television.

Following the talks, the leaders of Tajikistan and Russia will hold a joint press conference

On October 9, the president will take part in the second Russia-Central Asia summit, which will focus on further cooperation between Russia and the countries of the region