DUSHANBE, April 7, Asia-Plus — An agreement on strengthening of economic relations and laying legal foundation of expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Laos was reached at a meeting of Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi with Lao Deputy Prime Minister also Foreign Minister Tonglun Sisolit (phonetically spelled) that was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt yesterday, according to the Tajik MFA.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the second Ministerial Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED).
Both sides also reached an agreement on organizing mutual visits at the level of foreign ministers and heads of state. The two also discussed issues related to the present situation in Afghanistan and development of transportation and communication networks in the region.
Mr. Zarifi is returning to Dushanbe today.
In the meantime, China’s Xinhua reported that participants in the second Ministerial Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) meeting on Sunday reaffirmed here their commitments to the principles of amity and cooperation. In a declaration adopted at the closing session of the meeting, foreign ministers, representatives and senior officials from about 50 Asian and Middle east countries expressed their determination to enhance peace, friendship and cooperation.
They recognized that sustainable economic development requires a sound political environment in the two regions and a strong foundation of mutual interests, stressing the necessity to promote a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment for the enhancement of peace, stability, economic development and prosperity in the two regions and the whole world at large.
Reaffirming their respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, they also support the initiative to convene an International Conference on Combating Terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations to address this fast growing threat.
Recognizing the role of existing centers for combating terrorism in Asia and the Middle East, they support the establishment of an International Center for Combating Terrorism under the umbrella of the UN in accordance with the recommendation of the International Conference on Anti-Terrorism held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2005.
Under the theme “Partnership in Action Towards a Better Future”, the AMED II aimed to focus on three tracks: political issues, economic issues as well as social, scientific, and media issues. It addressed political and economic reforms, governments and civil societies, combating terrorism, expanding trade and investment between the two regions, cooperation between oil producers and consumers, science, technology and IT, human resources development and movement of labor forces, climate change and natural disasters.
The first AMED dialogue was held in Singapore on June 21-22, 2005, under the theme of “Common Interests and Common Challenges”.
