TEHRAN – Iran and Tajikistan signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for cooperation in various fields at the end of the two countries’ 16th Joint Economic Committee meeting in Dushanbe on Thursday, IRIB reported.

The cooperation MOUs were signed by Iranian Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian and Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma, as the heads of the mentioned committee.

Holding a training course in the field of water, connecting the power grids of Iran and Tajikistan, implementing dam and power plant projects in Tajikistan, and implementing a tunnel project were among the most important subjects discussed between the two sides in the joint meeting, which were also covered in the MOUs.

Iran calls for expansion of trade ties with Tajikistan

During his stay in Tajikistan, the Iranian Energy Minister also met and held talks with the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzoda, and called for the expansion of economic ties between the two countries.

Referring to the banking problems in the way of the economic and commercial relations of the two countries, which has caused dissatisfaction in the private sector, especially in the export sector, Mehrabian said: “The development of water and electricity cooperation between the two countries has started in the past and is still developing, and it is necessary to improve this cooperation in the future by establishing proper monetary channels.”

The minister also considered the holding of the two countries’ joint economic committee meeting as a favorable opportunity for joint production and economic development of the two countries and emphasized the need for resolving banking problems to facilitate the export of technical and engineering services and the establishment of joint ventures.

In this meeting, the prime minister of Tajikistan also evaluated the development of trade between the two countries as positive and pointed to the joint committee as a necessity for the development of relations between Iran and Tajikistan.

Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe hosted the 16th meeting of Iran-Tajikistan Joint Economic Committee on December 27-28.

Iran and Tajikistan on November 8 signed a joint statement and 18 cooperation documents and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to deepen bilateral strategic relations.

The joint statement was signed between President Raisi and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe.

The documents and MOUs were inked by the Iranian and Tajik ministers in the presence of the two presidents.

As reported, the documents and MOUs pertained to a roadmap for the long-term bilateral trade and economic cooperation till 2030, mutual visa-free access, anti-drug trafficking operations, transportation, crisis management and the establishment of joint free economic zones, as well as inter-city cooperation in various fields.

During a meeting earlier in the day, Raisi said Iran and Tajikistan could increase their annual trade transactions to $500 million in the first step.

Raisi stressed that historical, religious, and cultural commonalities shared by the two countries provide a favorable ground for enhancing bilateral relations in all aspects.

The Tajik president, for his part, highlighted the necessity to develop bilateral ties, particularly in mining, health, science and technology, and agriculture sectors

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Raisi arrived in Dushanbe on November 8. During the day, he also attended a meeting of the two countries' traders and businessmen.

EF/MA

Photo: Iranian Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian (R) and Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma sign MOU documents in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Thursday, December 28.