Iranian FM calls for closer ties with Tajikistan

TEHRAN, March 10(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that the value of trade between the Islamic Republic and Tajikistan is not satisfactory and should be increased. Salehi made the remarks during a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on Friday. He said that Iran and Tajikistan have great potential which should be utilized to increase the value of trade. In the meeting, Salehi conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Rahmon and discussed various issues including ways to consolidate ties in all areas. Commenting on cultural and religious affinities shared between the two countries, Salehi said that given the great potential, mutual cooperation should be promoted more than before. He also expressed satisfaction with the projects being implemented by the two countries in various areas and emphasized the importance of the projects in promoting cooperation. Rahmon emphasized the role of Salehi’s trip to Tajikistan in cementing Tehran-Dushanbe ties and officially invited Ahmadinejad to participate in the ancient Persian New Year (Noruz) festivities in Tajikistan. In a separate meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi on Thursday, Salehi discussed the latest developments in the region and the world as well as ways to enhance cooperation in all spheres. During the meeting, Salehi described relations between the two countries as close and said that Iran and Tajikistan are bound by historical ties and have common cultural roots.