RIA Novosti cited Mr Sergei Shmatko Russian energy minister as saying that Russia plans to build three small hydropower plants in Tajikistan and hopes to obtain a controlling stake in the project.


Mr Sergei Shmatko said "We count on a controlling stake in these plants and hope for the Tajik side's understanding, adding that Russia will account for most part of the investment into the project.

Mr Dmitry Medvedev Russian President and his Tajik counterpart Mr Emomali Rakhmon met on Thursday during Mr Rakhmon visit to Moscow and pledged among other things to settle differences on energy projects.

Days ahead of the visit, Mr Rakhmon called efforts under an agreement to build hydroelectric power plants in Tajikistan unsatisfactory and criticized Russian energy giant Gazprom for delays in natural gas exploration and production in the country.

Mr Shmatko earlier said the two countries have overcome differences on a USD 30 million debt for electricity supplied to Tajikistan by the Sangtudin hydropower plant and are set to sign documents on the repayment schedule.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)