DUSHANBE, October 27, 2011, Asia-Plus — On Wednesday October 26, President Emomali Rahmon received visiting Afghanistan’s Vice-President Mohammad Qasim Fahim.
According to the presidential press service, the sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Energy cooperation between the two countries was in the focus of the talks.
They expressed interest of their countries in expansion of mutually beneficial economic cooperation and implementation of regional projects aimed at constructing new power transmission lines and rail link connecting both countries.
Emomali Rahmon, in particular, noted that Tajikistan was ready to participate in implementation of the New Silk Road project.
The two also pointed the necessity of expansion of cooperation between the law enforcement authorities of the two countries in combating terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking. It was noted that Tajikistan is ready to help train personnel for Afghan armed force.
Mohammad Qasim Fahim, 55, also known as “Marshal Fahim”, is an Afghan military commander, politician and the First Vice President since November 2009. He was the Defense Minister of the Afghan Transitional Administration, beginning in 2002 and also served as Vice President from June 2002 to December 2004. Fahim was replaced by Abdul Rahim Wardak, who was appointed as defense minister by President Hamid Karzai on December 23, 2004 when the transitional administration gave way to a popularly-elected administration. Fahim is a member of Afghanistan”s Tajik ethnic group. Fahim is the recipient of the Ahmad Shah Baba Medal. He is fluent in Persian, Pashto and Arabic.
