Dushanbe, 18.11.2016 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and India were held on November 17 in Dushanbe. The talks were held at the level of the First Deputy Foreign Minister, Nizomiddin Zohidi, and his Indian counterpart, Sujata Mehta, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

According to the Tajik MFA Information Department, the consultations focused mainly on the issues of strengthening bilateral relations and further expansion of bilateral cooperation between both countries within international and regional organizations.

The talks offered an opportunity to evaluate bilateral relations, which both countries consider successful. The delegations also discussed other multilateral policies, including the issues of security and sustainable development in the region, the fight against terrorism and religious extremism.

They also exchanged views on the agenda of upcoming Heart of Asia-Istanbul ministerial conference on Afghanistan.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in the first week of December in the Indian city of Amritsar.

It should be noted that the Foreign ministers from 14 member countries, including Russia, China and Turkey, are expected to attend the daylong conference meant to discuss the current Afghan situation and possible initiatives the immediate and extended neighbors of Afghanistan could undertake to restore long-term peace and stability in the war-torn country.

Senior officials from 17 supporting countries, including the United States, will also participate in the meeting to be jointly presided over by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was established in 2011 at the initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey. Its main objective is to foster efforts for regional cooperation and connectivity with a view to promoting long-term peace and stability as well as progress and development in Afghanistan, and the region.