DUSHANBE, March 5, Asia-Plus – The Government of India has donated another 10 buses for a total amount of $360,000 to Tajikistan.
An official ceremony of handover of the buses to Tajik authorities was held in Dushanbe today.
G.S. Khampa (phonetically spelled), Charge D’Affaires, Embassy of India in Dushanbe, telling the ceremony noted that the buses are “a mobile symbol of friendship between the two countries.” Indian diplomat expressed hope that the donated buses will improve passenger transport passenger services in the republic.
“Four buses are intended for Khujand (Sughd province), three for Kulob (Khatlon province), two for Khorog (Gorno Badakhshan), and one bus is intended for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” G.S. Khampa said.
For his part, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zaripov noted that friendly relations between Tajikistan and India “have deep roots.” He said that India is a reliable partner of Tajikistan in fighting terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking. The minister added that cooperation between Tajikistan and India in the fields of trade and economics, as well as culture and education is expanding actively.
We will recall that it is the second consignment of buses handed over by India to Tajikistan. In May 2004, the Government of India donated 10 buses to the Tajik capital Dushanbe.
India contributes to development of human resources in Tajikistan through supporting joint projects. Some 343 Tajik nationals currently take various short-term training courses in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program, and 130 Tajik students have received scholarships of the Government of India to get higher education at various higher educational institutions of India.
