Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Vice President of Iran, emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries during his meeting with Emomali Rahmon, the President of Tajikistan. This meeting was held to explore various aspects of economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation between Tehran and Dushanbe.
Growth of Trade and Economic Cooperation
Aref, in this meeting, referred to the deep cultural and historical ties between Iran and Tajikistan, stating: "Despite multiple challenges, including the imposed war against Iran, we have witnessed a 50% increase in the volume of bilateral trade compared to last year in recent months." He also pointed to the high potential for economic cooperation and added: "These potentials must be properly utilized."
Strategic Energy Plans
The First Vice President of Iran also emphasized Tehran's readiness to cooperate with Dushanbe in the fields of oil and gas exploration, petrochemical industries, and the export of oil products. Aref referred to Rahmon's proposed plan for creating an energy corridor from South Pars to Afghanistan and Tajikistan, evaluating it as positive and constructive.
He added: "Iran is interested in expanding trilateral cooperation with Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and there are suitable capacities for these collaborations." In this context, the emphasis on exporting Iranian oil products to Tajikistan and assisting in connecting this country to the open waters of the Persian Gulf was also discussed.
Development of Cultural and Scientific Cooperation
Aref further stressed the necessity of developing scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the establishment of a joint technology center between Iran and Tajikistan as an effective step in this direction. According to him, this center can pave the way for the expansion of joint activities and the development of bilateral relations.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of preserving the shared cultural heritage and Iranian civilization and expanding tourism and cultural cooperation. Aref and Rahmon stressed the necessity of strengthening cooperation in international forums and supporting each other's positions during this meeting.
Utilizing the Capacity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The First Vice President of Iran, referring to the capacities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stated: "This organization can provide a suitable opportunity to link regional security and stability with economic development and increased trade cooperation. Iran and Tajikistan should utilize this capacity to expand cooperation in the fields of goods transportation, border security, and combating terrorism."
