DUSHANBE, April 17, 2009, Asia-Plus — On Thursday February 16, President Emomali Rahmon received visiting Portuguese Foreign Minister Luís Amado.
According to presidential press service, the sides discussed issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and Portugal within the frameworks of cooperation of Tajikistan with the European Union and the NATO. Rahmon and Amado expressed satisfaction with the present level of multilateral cooperation in supporting antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan.
Portuguese minister, in particular noted that cooperation with Tajikistan was important for the European plan on stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and Tajikistan’s support for operation of the antiterrorist coalition in Afghanistan was of significant importance. Mr. Amado appreciated Tajik president’s contribution to stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan, the press service said.
On the bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Portugal, the sides noted that relations between the two countries were still at the stage of formation. They noted that water and energy resources of Tajikistan and modern technologies and investment opportunities of Portugal could pave the way for establishment and expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.
In the meantime, visiting Portuguese foreign minister yesterday also held talks with his Tajik counterpart, Hamrokhon Zarifi. According to the MFA information department, the two discussed prospects of expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Portugal, cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the European Union’s new strategy for Central Asia, the present situation in Afghanistan as well as a number of international and regional issues being of mutual interest.
