DUSHANBE, July 9, 2013, Asia-Plus — On Tuesday July 9, Tajik Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi met in Auckland, New Zealand with his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully.
The Tajik MFA information department says the two discussed issues related to laying legal foundation of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, prospects of cooperation between Tajikistan and New Zealand in sectors like energy and tourism.
Zarifi and McCully also exchanged views on regional and international issues being of mutual interest.
Following the meeting, the sides signed a joint statement recognizing opportunities to expand the bilateral relationship through trade, agriculture, energy and tourism.
Meanwhile, according to information posted on the website of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Mr. McCully noted that “Mr. Zarifi’s visit is the first by a minister from the Republic of Tajikistan and presents an excellent opportunity to develop closer ties between our two countries.”
Mr. McCully and Mr. Zarifi reportedly shared perspectives on regional security issues, and reaffirmed New Zealand and Tajikistan’s commitment to multilateralism as a means for strengthening international security.
On the same day, Zarifi met in Auckland with the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Central Asia James Bolger.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, Mr. Zarifi and Mr. Bolger discussed opportunities of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and New Zealand in the spheres such as renewable energy resources, agriculture and tourism.
They also discussed a number of regional issues, including the current situation in Afghanistan.
For the purpose of establishing closer and more fruitful cooperation Tajik minister reportedly invited Mr. Bolger to visit Tajikistan this year.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and New Zealand were established in August 1992.
In 2012, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and New Zealand amounted to 55,000 U.S. dollars.
