DUSHANBE, 01.07.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Today, following the meeting with President Emomali Rahmon, the Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar briefed journalists in Dushanbe.

“We had a fruitful and important meeting with President Emomali Rahmon. Of course, I knew President Emomali Rahmon very well before my visit to Tajikistan. But today’s face-to-face meeting was very fruitful. I was very impressed,” Akar said.

He also noted that he had a good opportunity to find out the personal opinion of the President of Tajikistan on regional issues.

According to him, President Emomali Rahmon expressed his opinion, analyzed current issues and made proposals for the future of Tajikistan and the Central Asian region.

“President Emomali Rahmon has also officially invited the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to Tajikistan. I informed President Rahmon about the intention of the Turkish President to pay a visit to Tajikistan in the near future,” Akar added.

The Minister also expressed confidence that the visit and bilateral meetings of the top leaders of the two countries will give a new impetus to the further development of cooperation between the defense ministries.

“Today we also exchanged views on some issues of cooperation. I can say that our countries have a similar position on international issues. We consider Tajikistan a friendly and a fraternal state, as well as an important partner in the Central Asian region. Both countries have common values, one of which is the imperishable works of Mawlana Jaloliddin Rumi, which our people use today,” he said.

According to him, the parties also exchanged views on bilateral and regional cooperation, including the situation in Afghanistan.

“After today’s meeting with the President, who admonished us, the defense ministries of both countries need to further strengthen cooperation in various fields, including defense, and further intensify bilateral visits to give a new impetus to improving cooperation between the two countries, especially between our ministries,” Akar said.

In conclusion, he took the opportunity to convey his best wishes to the people of Tajikistan.