President Urges Closer Iran-Tajikistan Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated the country’s policy to boost bilateral ties with regional nations and called for closer cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Tajikistan in all areas, including the campaign against terrorism.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is constantly demanding the stability, full security, the excellence and progress of Tajikistan and the strengthening of relations and cooperation between the two sides,” Rouhani said at a meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Mukhriddin in Tehran on Saturday.
Rouhani further pointed to regional tensions and said, “Today, the region is in a special condition, facing terrorism and foreign intervention.”
As terrorists have left Iraq and Syria, there is a concern that they want to be active in the region of Central Asia and the Caucasus, hence Iran and Tajikistan can also expand their cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The Tajik top diplomat, for his part, said that Tehran and Dushanbe have always enjoyed friendly and brotherly ties and that they will take future steps to develop and deepen the friendship.
Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Tajik foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Friday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on issues of mutual interest.
The Tajik foreign minister had a meeting with Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardekanian on Friday, during which he expressed the hope that the 13th meeting of Iran-Tajikistan joint commission, due to be held in Tehran within the next few months, would enhance their bilateral cooperation.
The bulk of Tajikistan’s transit and economic problems is due to lack of access to the sea, Mukhriddin said yesterday, noting that his country seeks to use the capacities available in Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar to resolve its problems.
