Russian, Tajik Presidents order to step exploration of gas deposits.

MOSCOW, October 22 (Itar-Tass) - Presidents Dmitry Medvedev of Russia
and Emomali Rakhmon of Tajikistan have issued instructions to the
appropriate agencies in both countries to speed up geological surveying of
Tajikistani deposits of natural gas and their subsequent commissioning for
commercial production of gas on mutually beneficial conditions.
The sides plan to maintain joint projects in the sphere of energy
resources, says a statement Medvedev and Rakhmon issued Thursday.
Their plans include "geological prospecting works in cooperation with
Gazprom, as well as development and operation of natural gas deposits in
Tajikistan."
Priority is given to cooperation in hydro technologies,
"The Presidents reiterated mutual interest in the implementation of
hydropower projects in Tajikistan," the statement said.
The sides also stressed the importance of cooperation in the
innovative spheres.
-0-kle/gor