DUSHANBE, May 2, Asia-Plus — Issues related to state and prospects of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Iran were major topic of a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with Iran’s Defense Minister Mustafa Mohammad Najjar that was held in Dushanbe on April 30.
Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev and Iran”s Charge d”Affaires Ahmad Ajalliyan were also present at the meeting
According to presidential press service, in the course of the talks President Rahmon appreciated Iran’s active participation in the implementation of investment projects in Tajikistan, in particular in the construction of the Anzob tunnel and the Sangtuda-2 hydropower plants.
The Iranian minister, for his part, said that Iran is prepared to expand defense cooperation with Tajikistan to promote regional peace and stability. He assessed the level of political, economic, cultural and defense relations between the two states over the past years as favorable, hoping that such cooperation will expand with the aim of improving the welfare of both nations.
The two also exchanged views on socioeconomic, political, scientific and military cooperation between the two countries both in bilateral format and within regional organizations. Rahmon and Mohammad Najjar also discussed the present situation in the region and ways to address modern challenges and threats.
After a meeting with President Rahmon, met with IRNA correspondents in Dushanbe. IRNA quoted him as saying that their talks had centered on ways to promote regional, stability, tranquility and peace. Underlining the decisive role of both countries in sustainable peace and stability of the region, he said that in his meeting with Rahmon, Iran-Tajikistan”s past military and defense cooperation were reviewed. “Meanwhile, it was decided that new approaches for broadening cooperation should be discussed with Tajik Defense Minister Colonel General Sherali Khairulloyev,” he added. Turning to the 10-year bilateral relations, he said that today the 10th anniversary of defense relations between Iran and Tajikistan is celebrated.
According to IRNA, the Iranian minister and his entourage also conferred with the Head of Tajikistan”s State Committee for National Security Khairiddin Abdurahimov on matters of mutual concern.
Mohammad Najjar, heading a high-ranking defense delegation, arrived in Dushanbe on April 29 for a three-day visit.
