Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tajikistan on Tuesday to begin a tour of Central Asia, his first foreign trip since his country launched an invasion of Ukraine in February.

Putin plans to meet Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said the leaders are expected to discuss cooperation on the economy and military technology. He said they are also expected to talk about rebuilding Afghanistan.

Putin will also visit Turkmenistan on Wednesday to attend a summit of five countries bordering the Caspian Sea, including Iran and Azerbaijan. The sea is said to be rich in natural resources.

Meanwhile, Western nations will discuss measures to step up pressure on Russia during a NATO summit in Spain starting on Wednesday, immediately following the conclusion of the G7 summit in Germany.

Observers say Putin wants to show unity with former Soviet republics to counter pressure from the West.