DUSHANBE, May 14, 2015, Asia-Plus – Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov, who is currently on a visit to India, yesterday met in New Delhi with Minister of External Affairs of India, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, they discussed bilateral, regional and international issues being of mutual interest. The ministers, in particular, exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in political, defense, economic and cultural spheres.
They also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan.
The meeting reportedly resulted in signing of a new Program of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries for the years 2015-2017.
On the same day, Aslov held talks with Indian Defense Minister Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, the Tajik MFA information department said.
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs of India notes that Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov is visiting India from 11-15 May, 2015 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj.
The Program of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Tajikistan and India reportedly envisages regular and structured consultations on a range of bilateral issues, including consular matters, training of Tajik diplomatic personnel in India and enhanced information and media exchanges, as well as regional and multilateral issues.
With a view to facilitate greater trade and investment between India and Tajikistan, the two Ministers agreed to work towards enhanced connectivity between the two countries including through the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and other regional transit arrangements, the statement says, noting that External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate closely with Tajikistan in the field of security and counter-terrorism to ensure greater regional stability.
