Ground Forces commander Vladimir Chirkin said Saturday that Moscow expects to secure a deal to extend Russia's military presence in Tajikistan in 2013.
Chirkin told Ekho Moskvy radio that outstanding issues on the terms of the deal will continue to be discussed with Tajikistan until the end of March.
People familiar with the talks said earlier this month that a deal had been reached to extend Russia's presence for at least 20 years in exchange for discounted weaponry and military training.
President Vladimir Putin is due to visit Tajikistan on Oct. 5.
(AP, Reuters)
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