Aref: Iran and Tajikistan should expand ties beyond diplomatic protocol

Dr Mohammadreza Aref met Kahir Rasoulzoda, the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, and said the relationship between the two countries is built on brotherly, historical, cultural and linguistic ties. He said Iran's view of Tajikistan goes beyond diplomatic protocol and that more bilateral meetings are needed to raise cooperation to a higher level.

Aref thanked Tajikistan for its brotherly stance toward Iran during the Ramadan war and the attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime, and expressed appreciation for Dushanbe's support. He also congratulated the government and people of Tajikistan on the country's 35th anniversary of independence and pointed to the potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for security, stability, economic cooperation and infrastructure links.

Prime Minister Kahir Rasoulzoda said relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust and respect, and stressed that cooperation in economic, trade, health, tourism and cultural fields should be expanded.