Rouhani: Iran Supporting Tajikistan’s Development

(FNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani voiced his country's support for the development of Tajikistan in different fields.

"Iran considers development of Tajikistan as its own," President Rouhani said, addressing a press conference in Dushanbe on Wednesday after meeting his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon.

He noted that Iran was the first country to recognize the independence of Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union, and said, "We are very glad that the two countries' relations have been expanding all throughout this period."

The Iranian president said the two countries have common roots, history and culture and both governments are trying to consolidate their relations.

"Iran and Tajikistan in recent years have had good cooperation in economic areas, including construction of Sangtoudeh-II Power Plan which was inaugurated earlier today," he added.

President Rouhani described Tajikistan as an important regional country, and said, "Stability and security of Tajikistan is important for regional security."

Earlier today, President Rouhani called for the further expansion of economic relations between Tehran and Dushanbe.

"Iran and Tajikistan can expand their relations in all areas, specially in economic fields," President Rouhani said.

He noted that the Iranian companies can strengthen Iran-Tajikistan relations by investing in Tajikistan.

"The two countries mostly have common views on regional issues, and this can help consolidate the bilateral relations," the Iranian president added.

President Rouhani left Tehran for a bi-nation tour of Central Asia on Monday. On the first leg of his tour, the president visited Kazakhstan, where he met senior officials of the Central Asian nation and signed several cooperation agreements.

The Iranian President then left Astana for Dushanbe on Wednesday morning to attend the 14th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and discuss bilateral ties with participants in the high-profile meeting.

Rouhani and his Tajik counterpart also inaugurated phase-II of the Sangtoudeh-II Dam and Power Plant in Tajikistan, which has been constructed through Iran's major partnership.

The Iranian president is accompanied by a high-ranking political and economic delegation, including a number of cabinet members.