DUSHANBE, 30.05.2022 (NIAT Khovar) –  Saadabad Palace hosted talks between President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

The official welcoming ceremony and introduction of the members of the two nations’ delegations was held before the start of the talks.

President Rahmon and his Iranian counterpart Raisi had a one-on-one discussion. Later the talks continued in an expanded format. The discussion focused on the current state and prospects for developing relations between Tajikistan and Iran, as well as major international and regional issues.

The counterparts expressed satisfaction over the extensive friendly relations and cooperation between the two nations including in the continuation of the constructive political dialogue at the highest level. It was stressed that the strengthening and expansion of cooperation with Iran is the special focus of Tajikistan’s foreign policy.

They noted the necessity of strengthening the constructive political dialogue between the two countries, based on mutual understanding and trust, and with respect for common historical values.

Inter-parliamentary ties and strengthening of activities of inter-parliamentary friendship groups was another item of the meeting agenda. Boosting cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, transport, energy, industry, culture, education, and science were noted as an important factor in strengthening and expanding relations between the two countries.

During the meeting the officials agreed to increase trade turnover between the two countries. In this context, it was considered expedient to intensify the work of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, the development of the long-term programme of cooperation between the two countries until 2030, as well as Tajikistan — Iran Joint Council and the Joint Investment Committee.

It was proposed the establishment of small and large-scale industrial enterprises with joint ventures in the free economic zones of Tajikistan for the development of trade relations.

The establishment of extensive cooperation between the industrial settlements of the two countries was also called as potentially mutually beneficial.

Taking into account the great natural resources of Tajikistan, the use of Tajikistan’s vast potential in the energy, light and food industries, mining and metallurgy, chemistry, construction, pharmaceutical production, agriculture, transport, and tourism were noted as necessary.

The effective use of the potential of the ports of Chabahar and Bandar Abbas was called an important tool for expanding economic and trade cooperation for transporting goods for the benefit of both countries.

The construction of the Istiqlol Tunnel and the Sangtuda-2 HPP has been assessed as an example of constructive cooperation between the two sides.

Other topics on the agenda included the further development of bilateral cooperation in culture and sciences, tourism and the launch of direct flights between the capitals of the two countries.

During the discussion of security issues, the development of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, arms and drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and cybercrime was considered expedient.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan.

Further cooperation of the two countries within international and regional organizations, including the UN, the ECO, the OIC, the SCO, and other organizations were touched upon.

Сoncluding the meeting, President Rahmon invited the President Raisi to visit Tajikistan at a convenient time.