Iran most secure route for transit of Tajikistan's goods: President Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the development of the southern strategic port city of Chabahar will play a very important role in the transit of goods in the region, adding that Iran can be "the safest and best" route for goods imported to and exported from Tajikistan.

In a meeting with Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Mukhriddin in Tehran on Saturday, Rouhani said the two countries enjoy many commonalities in several sectors and called for further expansion of relations in different areas to serve the two nations' interests.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always called for stability, total security, prosperity and progress of Tajikistan as well as the promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation," the Iranian president added.

He expressed Iran's readiness to provide Tajikistan with technical and engineering services and to play a more active role in implementing projects in the country by sharing its experiences with Dushanbe.

Rouhani further said the region is currently faced with a particular situation, including threats of terrorism and foreign intervention.

"Now that terrorists have left Iraq and Syria, there are concerns that they may seek to become active in Central Asia and the Caucasus region. Therefore, Iran and Tajikistan can further increase their cooperation in the fight against terrorism," the Iranian chief executive pointed out.

Terrorist groups pose danger to region: Mukhriddin

The Tajik foreign minister, for his part, said Iran's policy on the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region has resulted in many positive outcomes.

Mukhriddin said Tajikistan believes that the existence of terrorist groups is very dangerous for regional nations and called for collective efforts to fight terrorism.

He stressed the importance of expanding his country's trade and economic cooperation with Iran and said Tajikistan wishes to use the benefits of Chabahar Port and experiences of Iranian companies and experts in the fields of technical and engineering services, energy and infrastructure. 

Iran, Tajikistan FMs meet

Meanwhile, Mukhriddin and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed the expansion of political, parliamentary and economic cooperation, particularly in the sectors of water, energy and transportation.

In a meeting earlier in the day, the top Iranian and Tajik diplomats pointed to the importance of political and strategic relations between Tehran and Dushanbe and called for strengthening bilateral, regional and international cooperation.

The Tajik foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Friday at the head of a delegation and held talks with Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian after his arrival.

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