DUSHANBE, 01.03.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – President Emomali Rahmon received the Speaker of the Wolesi Jirga (House of People) of the National Assembly of Afghanistan Mir Rahman Rahmani.

In the spirit of trust and mutual understanding the two sides exchanged views on various aspects of Tajik – Afghan cooperation, and international and regional matters.

President Rahmon stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation to strengthen the multifaceted ties between the two neighboring countries.

Regarding the current situation in Afghanistan, the sides paid special attention to the ongoing process of intra-Afghan peace talks.

In this regard, President Rahmon stressed the need to find effective ways to establish lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He reiterated the support of Tajikistan for the consistent initiatives and efforts of Afghanistan in this direction.

Referring to the comprehensive support of Tajikistan of the initiatives of the international community regarding the peace, stability and economic and social development of neighboring Afghanistan, President Rahmon stressed the importance of holding a high-level meeting of the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process in Dushanbe in late March.

During the talks the sides also reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening and expanding mutually beneficial bilateral relations in various areas of mutual interest, focusing on economic, trade, and social spheres, and in other areas, including health care and COVID-19.

The need to strengthen the legal base for mentioned areas and the role of parliaments in this process was likewise noted.

As for security issues, the need to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in combating modern threats and challenges, in particular terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, as well as ensuring border security was emphasized.