TEHRAN – Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi and his Tajik counterpart Daler Juma have reviewed ways of expanding cooperation between the two countries in various areas, especially in the electricity sector, IRNA reported.

In a meeting in Tehran on Monday, Aliabadi emphasized the development and strengthening of cooperation in the field of electricity and other areas between the two countries of Iran and Tajikistan and said: “Under the framework of the two countries’ joint economic committee negotiations have been held in various fields with the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan.”

According to the minister, in his meeting with Juma, the two sides have agreed on a variety of issues including boosting trade between the two sides, facilitating the activity of Iranian companies in Tajikistan and cooperation in water projects.

Also, during the talks, Juma expressed his satisfaction with the meeting with Aliabadi, who is also the Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee of Iran and Tajikistan, saying: "I am sure that under the leadership of the new minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the bilateral cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan in the field of energy will be strengthened.”

He pointed to the advancement of joint projects between the two countries and added: "Sangtoudeh 2 hydroelectric power plant is one of the joint projects between the two countries of Iran and Tajikistan that is being carried out on schedule.”

“Tajikistan always welcomes Iranian technical knowledge and experts, who are among the best in the world,” he said.

According to Juma, increasing the volume of economic exchanges between Iran and Tajikistan is another issue that is of particular importance, and in this regard, the two sides can increase cooperation in oil and related products, as well as technical knowledge in the field of energy.

Iran and Tajikistan signed 44 cooperation documents in the previous three years, which shows that relations between the two countries are on a trajectory of growth, the Tajik envoy to Iran said in mid-June.

Nizamuddin Zahidov pointed to the expansion of relations between Tehran and Dushanbe and said the two sides signed 44 cooperation documents over the past three years.

Speaking in a meeting with the head of Iran Mapping Organization to follow up the agreements inked previously between the two countries, he underlined that Iran and Tajikistan have witnessed the expansion of political, economic and cultural relations over the past years.

Zahidov put the value of trade exchanges between the two countries in the last Iranian year (ended March 19, 2024) at $270 million, IRNA reported.

The presidents of the two countries agreed that the value of bilateral trade should reach $500 million in near future and this shows that the bilateral cooperation is on an upward trajectory especially in the fields of trade and economy, the ambassador stressed.

Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe hosted the 16th meeting of Iran-Tajikistan Joint Economic Committee in late December 2023.

Iranian former Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian and Tajikistan Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma co-chaired the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, the first specialized exhibition "Made in Iran" was also held on the sidelines of this meeting.

The exhibition, aimed at introducing the capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in basic industries, with the presence of 30 top Iranian companies, is being held in Dushanbe, during December 26-29.

Iran and Tajikistan on November 8, 2023 signed a joint statement and 18 cooperation documents and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to deepen bilateral strategic relations.

The joint statement was signed between late Iranian President Ebrahim 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 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, 2023. During the day, he also attended a meeting of the two countries traders and businessmen.

EF/MA

Photo: Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi (R) holds talks with his Tajik counterpart Daler Juma in Tehran on Monday, September 23.