DUSHANBE, April 22, 2009, Asia-Plus — On Tuesday April 21, President Emomali Rahmon received visiting NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Secretary General David Hobbs.
According to presidential press service, the sides discussed state and prospects of cooperation between Tajikistan and the North Atlantic Alliance.
President Rahmon expressed satisfaction with level of cooperation within the framework of the Partnership for Peace Program and the Individual Partnership Action Plan and expressed confidence that Tajikistan’s joining the NATO Planning and Review Process Program would promote further expansion of bilateral cooperation, the press service said.
For his part, Mr. Hobbs noted that they highly appraised the role of Tajikistan in settlement of situation in the Central Asian region attached significance to cooperation with the countries of the region, including Tajikistan settling the Afghan problems. He also noted that NATO considered relations of Tajikistan with countries such as Russia, China, the United States and neighboring countries as an example of adherence to balance of relations.
The two also considered issues related to opening of the NTAO regional center in Tajikistan for fighting terrorism and rescuing in emergencies.
Rahmon and Hobbs also discussed cooperation between the NATO PA and Tajik Parliament, as well as issues related to providing assistance to Tajik border troops and carrying out demining operations along Tajik-Afghan border.
On the current situation in Afghanistan, President Rahmon noted that military operation in that country should be accompanied by the fight against illicit drug trafficking, implementation of economic and social programs. He also noted that as important force to provide peace in Afghanistan NATO should closely cooperate with its neighbors, in particular with Tajikistan that has a long common border with Afghanistan. Tajik leader added that implementation of hydroelectricity and transportation projects could promote reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy.
