DUSHANBE, March 28, 2014, Asia-Plus — A trilateral meeting of presidents of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran took place in Kabul on March 27.
According to the Tajik president’s official website, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Iranian and Afghan counterparts exchanged views on issues related to strengthening stability and security in the region, expanding economic cooperation and implementing regional projects aimed at constructing roads, power transmission lines, gas and oil pipelines.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who traveled to Kabul to attend the Fifth International Navrouz Festival, in particular, noted at the meeting that a number of projects aree being carried out in Tajikistan under support of Iran.
Tajik leader reportedly offered establishment of an economic, investment and cultural cooperation council by three Persian-speaking countries.
President Rahmon also proposed to hold the next trilateral summit in Dushanbe in summer of 2015 along with a trade exhibition.
Meanwhile Iran’s news agency IRNA reports that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani noted yesterday at the trilateral meeting with presidents of Tajikistan and Afghanistan that Iran is ready to expand trade, economic and cultural cooperation with the countries of Navrouz region. He underlined the necessity of maintaining heritages of Persian-speaking countries and underscored the necessity of maintaining and expanding Persian and Islamic culture.
Rouhani also underlined necessity of all-out fight against radicalism and terrorism and by expressing pleasure for holding Shanghai summit meeting in Dushanbe, expressed Iran’s readiness to contribute to holding the meeting there.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai reportedly also underlined development of cooperation among the three countries in all fields.
We will recall that delegations of 15 countries gathered in Afghanistan for the Fifth International Navrouz Festival.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon was the first to arrive in Kabul for the event hosted by President Hamid Karzai. Tajik president arrived on March 26 and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain arrived in Kabul on March 27. Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain has made his first visit to Afghanistan since taking office in September.
