Russia to build three small hydropower plants in Tajikistan

MOSCOW, October 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russia plans to build three small hydropower plants in Tajikistan and hopes to obtain a controlling stake in the project, the Russian energy minister said Sunday.

Sergei Shmatko told journalists: "We count on a controlling stake in these plants and hope for the Tajik side's understanding," adding that Russia will account for most part of the investment into the project.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon met on Thursday during Rakhmon's visit to Moscow and pledged, among other things, to settle differences on energy projects.

Days ahead of the visit, Rakhmon called efforts under an agreement to build hydroelectric power plants in Tajikistan "unsatisfactory" and criticized Russian energy giant Gazprom for delays in natural gas exploration and production in the country.

Shmatko earlier said the two countries have overcome differences on a $30 million debt for electricity supplied to Tajikistan by the Sangtudin hydropower plant, and are set to sign documents on the repayment schedule.