DUSHANBE, February 20, Asia-Plus — Speaking to journalists in Dushanbe on February 19, Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ali-Asghar Sherdoust noted that a trade between Tajikistan and Iran in 2007 amounted to $150 million. “We intend to considerably increase a two-way trade between our countries,” Sherdoust said, noting that he will take efforts to promote successful implementation of bilateral agreements signed between the two countries.
He assured journalists that to boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries he would try to organize meetings between representatives of different economic branches every month.
A special emphasis will be made on education section, including training of personnel fro Tajikistan, Sherdoust said. According to him, the issue of opening of a Tajik-Iranian school in Dushanbe will be resolved soon. Besides, he promised to facilitate organization of training courses for Tajik specialists.
On the implementation of the Sangtuda-2 hydroelectricity project in Tajikistan, the Iranian envoy noted that taking into consideration the present situation, Iran would take measures to speed up the implementation of the project and put the Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant into operation ahead of the schedule.
On the construction of the Anzob tunnel in northern Tajikistan, Mr. Sherdoust noted that there were a number of problems impeding the construction process. “Not everything depends on the Iranian side,” said Sherdoust, “Thus, rising cement prices have affected the construction work; since 2003, when the Anzob pass project was launched, the cement prices have tripled in Tajikistan.” He also noted that not only Iran’s government but also Iranian private companies, which take into account their economic interests, have participated in implementation of joint projects in Tajikistan.
Touching upon prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the Iranian ambassador noted that an agreement on military cooperation had been reached during the last visit of President Rahmon to Tehran. “A joint enterprise on sewing military uniform is expected to be launched in Tajikistan in the near future,” Mr. Sherdoust said.
We will recall that on February 10, Tajik Defense Minister General Sherali Khairulloyev met in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart Mostafa Mohammad Najjar to discuss expansion of defense cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the two called for expansion of bilateral defense cooperation and relations. The two ministers also called for expansion of cooperation and underlined the need for continued exchange of views between high ranking officials which can help deepen and bolster cooperation between the two countries. The minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expansion of defense cooperation.
