DUSHANBE, 08.06.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met today in Astana with the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Muhammad Ashraf Ghani.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stated that Tajikistan supports the efforts of the international community aimed at ensuring sustainable peace and economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan. Tajikistan welcomes the position of Afghanistan within international and regional organizations, and considers the cooperation with Afghanistan in various fields as a priority of its foreign policy.

During the constructive talks, both sides had a fruitful exchange of views on the issues of multilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, in particular, in the fields of politics, security and economy, as well as important issues of cross-border cooperation, participation in small and large-scale regional projects in the areas of trade, investment, energy, transport and infrastructure.

Strengthening of the security cooperation, including in the area of protection of borders was considered an important direction of partnership between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The two sides stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in fight against international terrorism and extremism, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and transnational organized crime.

In order to boost interstate relations, the launching of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, the implementation of priority energy and infrastructure projects, including the construction of the railway, the organization of exhibitions and mutual trips of businessmen and investors to each other’s countries were deemed necessary.

The meeting also considered other regional and international issues, including interstate integration within the framework of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.