“Both countries believe that nobody should allow the sworn-enemies of the two nations have the opportunity to dominate the region,” Ahmadinejad said during a joint press conference with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on Sunday.
The Iranian president also said Iran and Tajikistan share numerous historical and cultural affinities, adding there is great potential to utilize to expand relations.
“Iran and Tajikistan should, in the first step, make efforts to meet each other’s needs,” he stated.
The two nations should share their experience in various spheres and conduct joint economic projects as well, Ahmadinejad added.
He went on to say that Iran and Tajikistan are currently running some joint projects including railways and pipelines.
Rahmon said Tajikistan is interested in expanding relations with Iran and conducting joint projects with the Islamic Republic.
He also said promoting ties would help strengthen stability in the region.
Commenting on the Afghanistan issue, he said, “We, once again, call on the international community and all other international organizations to help establish peace and security in Afghanistan.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, he thanked Iran for building Sange Toodeh 2 dam and power plant, saying this is the best present by the Iranian engineers to the Tajik people.
During a ceremony in Khatlon Province in Tajikistan on Monday, which was attended by Ahmadinejad and Rahmon, the first turbine of the 220-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, constructed by Iranian engineers, came on stream.
Sange Toodeh plant can help resolve the electricity problem in the Central Asian country.
According to an agreement signed between the two countries, the power plant will operate under the supervision of Iran for about 12 years in which Iran can recoup its investments and achieve the agreed financial gains.
For the total project $256 million was invested of which 70 percent ($180 million) was paid by Iran, 15.6 percent ($40 million) by Tajikistan, and the rest by the Iranian Sange’ab company.
AA/PA
END
MNA
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