DUSHANBE, 18.02.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani.

The two sides engaged in frank and constructive discussions focused on bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan based on mutual trust and respect.

It was pointed out that the legal basis of the bilateral relations up to now consists of more than 80 bilateral agreements which are effectively developing in the priority areas of politics, economy, trade, security, defense, energy, transport and communication, science, education and culture.

The two sides expressed their common readiness and interest in expanding regional cooperation addressing active participation in the implementation of major regional projects for the construction of railways and power transmission lines.

In order to enhance relationships to a qualitatively new level it was highlighted that the both countries will further intensify the activities of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission of Tajikistan and Afghanistan on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation.

They also exchanged views on ways to promote further expansion of cooperation between the border areas of the two countries.

The interlocutors also determined to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, illegal drug trade, as well as touched upon the issues related to the protection of the state border within the framework of bilateral agreements and regional and international organizations.