DUSHANBE (TCA) — The President of the Republic of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, during his state visit to Tajikistan on October 8, held talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international cooperation, the press service of the Tajik president said.
Noting the most useful discussions in the meeting of Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in Dushanbe on 26 July 2018, the two leaders underlined the need for long-term bilateral defence cooperation to contribute to regional peace and stability. The President of Tajikistan expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in capacity building and infrastructure development in defence and security and welcomed further contribution in capacity building for countering contemporary challenges and threats.
The two leaders noted the overall rise in bilateral trade in 2017, but reiterated that bilateral trade, investment and economic activities are not matching with the potential and rates of economic growth in the two countries. They called for stepping up trade and economic cooperation, resolving difficulties in bilateral trade and investment.
Underscoring the need for viable transport connectivity to achieve full trade and economic potential, the leaders agreed to work together with regional partners to establish necessary transport mechanisms. In this regard, the two leaders emphasized the importance of regional efforts to expand transit and transport corridors that promote connectivity between Central Asia and India. Both leaders reiterated strong support to development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which will considerably reduce the time and cost of transportation of merchandise between India, Central Asia, Caucasus and CIS countries.
The President of Tajikistan invited Indian investments in free economic zones in Tajikistan, and also expressed gratitude for India’s readiness to implement solar power projects in Tajikistan.
The President of India announced allocation of a grant of USD 20 million to Tajikistan for implementation of mutually identified and viable development projects.
