Iran stresses Tajikistan’s role in regional stability

“Peace and stability in Tajikistan, as an important country in the [Central Asia] region, can be significant for peace and stability in the entire region,” Rouhani said in a joint press conference with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, in Dushanbe on Wednesday.

Referring to cultural and historical commonalities between the Islamic Republic and Tajikistan, Rouhani noted that the two countries’ governments are seeking to consolidate Tehran-Dushanbe ties in all fields.

He also felicitated the Tajiks on Tajikistan’s National Day, adding that Iran was the first state to recognize the Central Asian country’s independence in 1991.

The common language spoken in Iran and Tajikistan calls for the expansion of tourism industry and increased efforts by businessmen, merchants and entrepreneurs to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the Iranian president added.

He further expressed hope for the development of bilateral relations, saying that increased Tehran-Dushanbe ties will undoubtedly benefit other governments and the whole region.

President Rouhani traveled to Tajikistan for a three-day visit on Wednesday to participate at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The SCO is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Iran, along with four other countries, holds observer status in the organization.