At a joint press conference later on Tuesday, both presidents referred to the affinities between the Iranian and Tajik nations and underlined the necessity of developing bilateral relations.
The Tajik president called Iran a fraternal and friendly country and highlighted the fact that bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries have considerably improved in recent years.
Ahmadinejad said, “Tajikistan and Iran are like one soul in two bodies. Iran and Tajikistan share so many cultural and historical affinities that none of us feel like there is a non-Iranian here, and the Tajik president also does not feel that there is a non-Tajik person at this gathering.”
The Iranian president stated that the common language shared by Iran and Tajikistan is the main factor encouraging the strengthening of bilateral relations, adding that there is no limit for the development of Iran-Tajikistan relations.
He went on to say that both countries should use all their economic and cultural capacities and infrastructural facilities in order to strengthen ties, adding that there are many opportunities to develop relations.
Ahmadinejad noted that the development, security, independence, and dignity of the Tajik nation is equivalent to the development, security, independence, and dignity of Iran, and expressed hope that Tehran and Dushanbe would fully cooperate in all economic, political, and cultural spheres.
The Iranian president added that bilateral relations between Iran and Tajikistan are rapidly growing.
Rakhmonov said he also believes that all obstacles in the way of developing bilateral ties should be eliminated.
Iran and Tajikistan require peace and security to make progress: Rakhmonov
During an official meeting between the two presidents later on Tuesday, Ahmadinejad and Rakhmonov underlined the necessity to facilitate travel between the two countries to foster a common identity.
Ahmadinejad also emphasized the necessity to reduce commercial tariffs in order to pave the way for economic growth, adding that both countries should take measures to promote private sector investment.
With the reduction of transportation tariffs, Tajikistan can gain access to the Persian Gulf and develop its foreign trade, he added.
For his part, the Tajik president noted that Iran and Tajikistan need peace and security in order to make progress, adding that they can cooperate with each other in the campaigns against drug smuggling and terrorism.
He also stressed the necessity for Tehran-Dushanbe cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of the Islamic Conference and called for trilateral cooperation between Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan in order to make optimal use of opportunities and to eliminate obstacles.
Pointing out that Iran and Tajikistan can both play a significant role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, Rakhmonov expressed hope that the Iranian and Tajik presidents would discuss ways to develop trilateral relations in Dushanbe.
He went on to say that the construction of the Anzab and Sharestan tunnels and a hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan by two Iranian companies indicates that there is useful cooperation underway between Iran and Tajikistan.
The Tajik president also stated that Dushanbe welcomes the participation of Iran’s private and public sector companies in Tajikistan’s oil, gas, mining, water, electricity, and agricultural projects.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the main exporters of foodstuffs and construction materials to Tajikistan and imports cotton and aluminum from its Central Asian neighbor. Total trade exchanges between Iran and Tajikistan hit $130 million over the past year.
The Tajik president is scheduled to leave Tehran for Ankara later on Wednesday.
SA/HG
End
MNA
Your Comment