DUSHANBE, January 21, Asia-Plus — Last year, relations of Tajikistan with the far abroad countries were developing with a particular focus on more efficient use of existing opportunities, Foreign Minister remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe on January 21.
As an example he described a long-term friendship agreement concluded with China in January 2007. “Last year, a trade of Tajikistan with China amounted to $283.345 million, which is 78.4 percent more than in 2006,” the minister said.
According to him, relations with Iran were also mutually beneficial last year, and two-way trade between the two countries in 2007 amounted to $136.38 million, which was 23.6 percent more than in the previous year.
On Tajikistan’s relations with Afghanistan, Arab countries, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia’s states, and Turkey, the minister said they were also developing actively.
On humanitarian aid provided to Tajikistan last year, Hamrokhon Zarifi said that among the donor countries the greatest share in value had come from the United States – 63 percent.
Asked about the possibility of participation of foreign companies in the consortium for completing construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power station (HPS), the minister said that preparation of documents on creation of such a consortium was under way.
“Some American companies have expressed wish to participate in this consortium,” Zarifi said. However, he refrained from naming those companies.
Commenting on enlisting the services of foreign countries to rehabilitate a head building of Tajik State Medical University, Zarifi said that China, Iran, Turkey, and the United States had already offered their assistance.
Asked about further activity of US energy company AES in Tajikistan, he named it one of serious partners in implementing energy projects in Tajikistan. AES intended construct a thermal power plant in Tajikistan and the power-transmission line from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the minister said. “The company has suspended its activity in Tajikistan,” said Zarifi, “I do not know the reason for the suspension, but we will meet with the AES top managers next week to discuss this issue.”
Asked about stay of a contingent of French military personnel at the Dushanbe airport, the minister said they will stay here until the situation in Afghanistan becomes stable. He added that “one of political leaders of France is expected to arrive in Tajikistan in March.”
