DUSHANBE, 16.02.2017 /NIAT “Khovar”/. Sirodjidin Aslov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan has today met with Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan here in Dushanbe. The two ministers have also chaired bilateral consultations of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.

During the meeting of ministers and talks of delegations the issues related to bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed. In light of the instructions of top leaders of the two countries and agreements reached at the highest level, the parties have confirmed mutual interest in implementation of joint plans and the expansion of the legal framework of bilateral relations for establishing cooperation in economy, trade, energy, communications, transit, agriculture, industry, health, culture, science, education and other mutually beneficial areas.

Taking into account the increasing role of regional economic cooperation and integration in ensuring sustainable development of Afghanistan, the parties noted the need for the further implementation of infrastructure projects, energy and economic programs that have national and regional significance.

In this context, the role of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Social, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan was also considered important.

It was stated that the development of cooperation between bordering districts and regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan is an important factor in the strengthening of multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Both parties have also confirmed the necessity of expansion of bilateral cooperation in the fight against threats of extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, illegal drug trafficking and other challenges to regional and international security. The Republic of Tajikistan considers important the strengthening of the role of Afghan security forces in the fight against terrorist and extremist groups.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation within international and regional organizations, including UN, ECO, OIC, and SCO. Following the meetings and talks of the delegations of Tajikistan and Afghanistan here took place a press conference with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries.