DUSHANBE, Apr 15: India and Tajikistan today discussed mutual cooperation on security issues and countering cross-border terrorism during a “very productive meeting” here between visiting Vice President Hamid Ansari and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Both the “brotherly countries” also agreed to strengthen their relations in energy and medical sectors among others.
“In our talks, I emphasised India’s commitment to our strategic partnership. We have agreed to strengthen our relations further in the energy sector, Information technology, health, education and in the establishment of small and micro industries in Tajikistan,” Ansari said in a statement after his meeting with the top Tajik leader.
“We discussed cooperation on security issues as well as in countering cross-border terrorism,” Ansari said.
Terming it as “very productive meeting” with the Tajik President and a very constructive delegation level talks, Ansari said, “our talks focused on further strengthening the already close relations between our two brotherly countries”.
The two nations discussed regional security issues especially with regard to Afghanistan.
“We exchanged views on how to cooperate in maintaining regional peace and security. In this, the situation in Afghanistan is of prime importance. Both the president and I agree that nations in the region, as well as the international community, should strengthen Afghanistan’s capacity to maintain peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan peoples,” the Vice President said.
Tajikistan has a porous 1,420 kms border with Afghanistan. The country has concerns with regard to pull out of international security forces from the turbulent nation due to the activities of Taliban militants.
The two sides discussed the international political situation and agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral organisations.
Ansari, who is on a four-day goodwill visit to Tajikistan, is the first Indian Vice President to ever come to the central Asian country.
“I also apprised the President, of India’s drive to expand its relationship with the countries of central Asia through a ‘connect central Asia’ policy. I am happy to state that both, President Rahmon and I agree that our that our cooperation has greater potential and we should work to realise it,” Ansari said.
India also welcomed Tajikistan’s entry as 159th member of World Trade Organisation (WTO), a premier trade body, and said it will work the central Asian nation within the organisation for mutual benefits.
“The deeper integration of Tajikistan with the global economy will not only benefit your country but would also enhance our bilateral trade and economic cooperation,” he said.
Ansari said India and Tajikistan share common secular and democratic credentials and have “much to discuss between our Parliaments”.
“We have agreed to focus on our common approaches and work towards the welfare of both our peoples,” he said, adding that the bilateral ties between the two nations will be further strengthened in times to come.
Both the countries share “close and cordial” relations for over 21 years since Tajikistan’s independence following dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Tajikistan in 2003. Former President Pratibha Patil had paid a visit to the central Asian nation in September 2009.
Tajikistan President Rahmon has been a frequent visitor to India. He has visited India five times — 1995, 1999, 2001, 2006 and in September 2012.
During the last visit by Rahmon, both sides had inked six pacts in several areas including business and trade, health, culture, sports and education. During this visit, both the countries had elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of strategic partnership.
The Vice President also had a meeting with Shukurjon Zuhurov, Chairman, Majlis-e-Namandyagon (Lower House of Tajikistan’s bicameral Parliament). (PTI)
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