Russian, Tajik FMs discuss problems of labor migrants

DUSHANBE. June 6 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to observing the rights of Tajik migrants in Russia, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin said.

"Cooperation in migration affairs was discussed in detail during the negotiations. With respect to regulating migration processes, the Russian side confirmed that rights and freedoms of our citizens in Russia must be respected during scheduled and unscheduled inspections," Muhriddin said at a press conference after talks with Lavrov.

Tajik law enforcement agencies earlier asked Russia to verify the legality of actions taken in regard to Tajik citizens in Russia, he said.

The parties agreed to intensify the activity of working groups for cooperation in migration, Muhriddin said.

Lavrov said, in turn, that Russia gave "much attention" to Tajikistan's interests in area of labor migration and any arising problems were solved "in strict compliance with Russian laws."

He also said that the issue should be addressed at a joint board meeting of the interior ministries of Tajikistan and Russia on Tuesday.

The Tajik authorities have repeatedly expressed concern about reports of mass detentions of Tajik citizens in Russia in recent weeks.