DUSHANBE, September 7, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon today morning met with visiting French Defense Minister Herve Morin. The First Deputy Tajik Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Ramil Nadirov, also attended the meeting.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Rahmon, Morin noted, “French Air Force contingent will stay in Tajikistan until Tajik authorities ask us about this.”
The minister said that during the meeting, he and President Rahmon had discussed a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation between France and Tajikistan. “We appreciate Tajikistan’s friendly relation, cooperation and confidence,” Mr. Morin said, noting that his country is ready to continue cooperation with Tajikistan in working on joint projects. .
“France has committed itself to rebuild the Dushanbe airport and construct terminal,” said French minister, “I assured Tajik head of state that construction of the terminal will start in 2008, and Tajikistan will proud of its airport in the future.” He added that it is the second year that 150 French specialists have been providing assistance in reconstruction of the Dushanbe airport.
We will recall that the previous French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie met with President Rahmon in Dushanbe on December 18, 2006. She noted that France’s Defense Ministry could allocate 7 million euros in grants and 17 million euros in preferential loans to rebuild the Dushanbe airport. She said the funds could be used to build a new terminal as well as to reconstruct the parking lot.
Asked about reasons for redeployment of six French fighter jets from Tajikistan to Afghanistan, the minister said that it is a temporary measure.
Mr. Morin also noted that France is ready to support all projects within the framework of strategic partnership between the European Union and Tajikistan.
Dwelling on the present situation in Afghanistan, Morin said that they have provided assistance to the Afghan government with having the situation under its control.
