DUSHANBE, 02.11.2018 /NIAT «Khovar»/. In the Palace of the Nation, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon received Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The agenda included the current state and prospects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including issues of interstate cooperation aimed at strengthening peace, stability, creating favorable conditions for economic development and solving social problems.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan attaches paramount importance to the development and expansion of multi-vector relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it an important partner in international arena.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics in bilateral cooperation based on mutual-understanding and trust principles, political climate and a solid legal base.

During the meeting particular attention was paid to strengthening bilateral security ties. In this context, special attention was paid to contribution to Afghanistan’s normalization, ensuring security and stability in the Islamic world, including Arab countries as well as cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.

The head of state, Emomali Rahmon, said that under the current conditions Tajikistani — Saudi relationships are progressively developing doubly in all areas of mutual interest, the essence of its roots are stability, security and people-to-people contacts. Therefore, it is necessary to give a qualitatively new meaning and content to the relations and cooperation; and bring them in line with today’s demands and national interests of the two countries.

During the discussion of organised crime issues, particular attention was paid to the Government-to-Government Agreement on Cooperation in the fight against crime reached in 2016 following the visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It was expressed satisfaction with the continued support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in the implementation of social and humanitarian projects in Tajikistan, and the importance of continuing effective cooperation in this direction in accordance with the agreements reached was emphasized.

The holding of second session of the Tajikistani-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and its side-events, organizing of Tajikistani-Saudi Business Forum in Riyadh and Jeddah cities as well as Saudi Cultural Days in Tajikistan were the subjects of the discussion. The result of these events could drive trade and economic, investment and people-to-people contacts.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia have great opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic and socio-cultural spheres.