Putin Honors Ismail Somoni in Dushanbe During State Visit

On October 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to Ismail Somoni, recognized as the founder of the first Tajik state, by laying flowers at his monument in Dushanbe. Putin’s visit coincided with a state trip to Tajikistan, during which his plane arrived at Dushanbe airport. Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon greeted Putin on the tarmac, and the two leaders exchanged handshakes and an embrace.