Krishna says India's relationship with Tajikistan "excellent"
Tuesday, 03/07/2012
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/krishna-says-indias-relationship-tajikistan-excellent/50207
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today described India's relationship with Tajikistan as "excellent" after meeting his Tajik counterpart Hamrokhon Zarifi here during which the two leaders discussed bilateral issues like trade, energy and counter-terrorism besides situation in the region.
Krishna, who arrived here on a special flight for a two-day visit, was received by Tajikistan Deputy Foreign Minister Nizomiddin Zohidov at the Dushanbe International airport here.
His visit to Dushanbe, first by any Indian External Affairs Minister in nine years, is part of India's 'Connect Central Asia Policy' to tap the natural resources-rich region.
The External Affairs Minister met his Tajik counterpart for 40-minutes during which they discussed cooperation in energy sector, economy and counter-terrorism besides other issues of mutual interest and on the situation in the region especially Afghanistan, officials said.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Krishna described the relationship between the two countries as "excellent".
"India and Tajikistan have an excellent relationship, a very cordial one. This year we will be completing 20 years of diplomatic relations with the Tajikistan," he told reporters alongside his Tajik counterpart Zarifi.
"We discussed bilateral issues and regional development and we also discussed the world's financial situation which is deteriorating every day and the possible impact it has on other countries. This is of great interest to both of our countries," Krishna said.
He said India is looking forward to the visit of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon in September, adding that this will cement already excellent bilateral ties.
Krishna will meet Rahmon tomorrow.
"There was a long discussion about Afghanistan. They agreed that without a stable Afghanistan, the region can not be stable," officials said, adding that the minister also briefed Zarifi about recent Afghan Investment Summit held in New Delhi.
