DUSHANBE, October 10, 2008, Asia-Plus – On Thursday October 9, Tajik Minister of Culture Mirzoshorukh Asrori met with Secretary General of the World Assembly for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WAPIST) Ayatollah Mohammad-Ali Taskhiri, who arrived in Tajikistan to attend the congress on the 950th anniversary of birthday of prominent Muslim jurist, thinker and philosopher Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali that was held in Dushanbe on October 8-9, according to IRNA.  

Referring to the existing religious, cultural and historic commonalties between the two countries, the two officials called for expansion of bilateral scientific and cultural relations.

Ayatollah Taskhiri said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is making great efforts to promote unity among the Islamic states and bring about proximity among various religions, adding that the WAPIST has been established to that end.

He expressed hope that Tajikistan would be successful in helping promote the Islamic culture in the country and throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the Tajik culture minister said the two countries share identical religion and language and called for expansion of bilateral religious, cultural and scientific cooperation between the two sides.