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Iran natural strategic partner for Tajikistan

Trade turnover between the two countries has increased several-fold over the past years

DUSHANBE, January 9 (Itar-Tass) — Tajikistan regards Iran as a natural strategic partner and highly appreciates bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Davlat Nazriyev said.

“Iran was among the first countries to have recognised the independence of Tajikistan and established diplomatic relations with it on January 9, 1992,” he said at a briefing for local and foreign journalists on Monday, January 9, in connection with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“During this time, we have formed the legal framework and signed more than 100 documents on cooperation in various areas – economic, political, military-technical, and humanitarian,” the spokesman said.

“Iran has been successfully implementing several big investment projects in Tajikistan, including the construction of the Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant with a capacity of 220 megawatts. More than 150 Iranian companies are working in Tajikistan, including joint ventures with Tajikistani business,” he said.

Trade turnover between the two countries has increased several-fold over the past years. In the first nine months of 2011, it exceeded 180 million U.S. dollars.

“Tajikistan and Iran successfully cooperate in the international arena where their positions are identical or close on the majority of issues,” Nazriyev said, adding, “Dushanbe fully supports Teheran in the peaceful use of atomic energy”.