DUSHANBE, 17.12.2016. /NIAT «Khovar»/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon met with the President of India Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace in New Delhi today.

Prior to the talks, the national anthems of the two countries was performed, and later on Emomali Rahmon and Pranab Mukherjee introduced their accompanying officials respectively.

Then, during a candid and friendly talk the sides discussed the current state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation between Tajikistan and India in the areas of common interest.

The parties, in particular, exchanged views on the economic participation of India in Tajikistan, strengthening cooperation in the areas of investment, energy, education, culture and military-technical cooperation.

An important step in the development and deepening of bilateral relations has been named the attraction of the Indian capital for implementation of hydropower projects in Tajikistan with regard to their effect on the economy of Afghanistan and India, creating favorable conditions for the transport and transit between countries of the region. At the meeting effective proposals were made relating to joint participation in major transport and infrastructure regional projects, other vital projects for Afghanistan.

The heads of state expressed satisfaction with the level and content of military-technical cooperation, including in the direction of military training, participation in the improvement of the military infrastructure of Tajikistan. They stressed their interest in continuing cooperation in the fields of education, culture and information technology.

The meeting also discussed issues related to the interaction of Tajikistan and India in major regional and international organizations, in particular the UN, the SCO, as well as the development and expansion of bilateral cooperation in the fight against negative phenomena in the region and the world.

At the end of the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon invited President of India Pranab Mukherjee to pay an official visit to Tajikistan at his convenience. This invitation was accepted with gratitude. The dates of the visit will be agreed through the diplomatic channels.