DUSHANBE, June 11, Asia-Plus — State and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran were discussed at a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ali Asghar Sherdoust in Dushanbe on June 11.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Iranian envoy noted that they had discussed a broad range of issues related to political, cultural, social and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. According to him, they also considered regional and international issues being of mutual interest.
“We also considered measures to promote implementation of resolutions adopted at the intergovernmental commission in Tehran last month,” Mr. Sherdoust said, adding that they also touched upon issues that will be discussed during the upcoming visit of President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad to Tajikistan in August this year.
One of major topics of the meeting was discussion of projects for construction of power grid, automotive highway and railway from Tajikistan via Afghanistan to Iran as well as launching a joint Persian-language TV channel, Iranian diplomat noted.
Asked about construction of the Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant, Sherdoust said that in line with schedule the stations should be finished in 2012, however, at request of the Tajik government Iran will finish it one year ahead. According to him, they also discussed participation of third countries in production of hydraulic turbines for the station.
On the pace of construction of the Chormaghzak tunnel, which will link Vahdat district with Norak, Iranian envoy said that two Iranian companies, including Sabir International that constructed the Anzob tunnel, will be involved in construction of the tunnel.
“Preparatory work is nearing completion and construction of the Chormaghzak tunnel will officially commence during Iran president’s visit to Tajikistan,” Mr. Sherdoust said.
Commenting on Iran’s joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Ali Asghar Sherdoust noted that his country appreciates President Rahmon’s support for resolving this issue.
Asked about opening of international Tajik-Iranian school in Dushanbe, Iranian diplomat said it will opened by the beginning of the new school year.
