DUSHANBE, January 10, Asia-Plus — A new Turkish Ambassador to Tajikistan Akif Aykhan today presented credentials to Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmonov.
After an official ceremony of presenting credentials, the two discussed issues related to a state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Turkey.
Following the meeting with President Rahmonov, the diplomat told journalists that Turkey will expand its cooperation with Tajikistan in future as well. “Tajikistan is an important partner of Turkey in Central Asia,” Turkish Ambassador said, noting that the two peoples share many historical, humanitarian and cultural values.
Aykhan expressed hope that now, after peace and stability reestablished in the country, Tajikistan will develop more actively technologies, infrastructure and improve living level of the population. The diplomat noted that his country intends to expand technical-economic cooperation with Tajikistan and facilitate development of relations between businesspeople of the two countries, as well as establish long-term cooperation in the filed of transportation, primarily aerial communication, and develop cultural and academic exchange.
Turkish Ambassador noted that a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Turkey valued at $420 million is not enough and there is a room for expansion of economic ties. “We plan to organize an exhibition of Turkish goods in Tajikistan in the autumn in order that entrepreneurs from the two countries would be able to know more abut each other,” Aykhan said.
The diplomat noted that by UNESCO”s decision the 800th anniversary of the prominent Eastern philosopher, thinker, poet and humanists Mowlana Jalaluddin Rumi will be held this year. “President Rahmonov proposed to hold a special event to mark this date in Dushanbe in the autumn this year, and we will take an active part in this event,” Aykhan noted.
Asked about the suspension of the construction of the water park in Dushanbe, the diplomat said that he is still not well aware of all details, adding that “mutual discipline is needed in such cases.”
“However although system and methods of diplomatic work remain invariable as a whole, relations between our countries will constantly expand and I intends to give a new impulse to further development of these relations,” Turkish Ambassador said.
