On October 19, at the Palace of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, received the First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Mohammad Reza Aref, who was in Dushanbe on a working visit to participate in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.

The meeting focused on various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including collaboration within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

President Emomali Rahmon emphasized that Tajikistan considers the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to be important.

Satisfaction was expressed with the ongoing expansion of relations and the continuous political dialogue between the two countries at the highest and senior levels.

Particular attention was given to the consistent expansion of trade and economic cooperation, including in transport, energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and other priority sectors. The parties also discussed broadening the range of goods and products traded bilaterally and developing joint production initiatives.

Further strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation was also considered important.

During the conversation, the parties also discussed specific issues on the regional and global agenda.