DUSHANBE, April 3, Asia-Plus -- Slovakia intends to open its General Consulate in Dushanbe this year, Slovakian Ambassador to Tajikistan Josef Machicak remarked at a meeting with President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on April 2 following the credentials-presenting ceremony.  

According to presidential press service, in the course of the talks the sides considered issues related to bilateral relationship between the two countries and cooperation between them within regional and international organizations.  

Tajik president stressed that that relations with European countries is one priorities and main directions of Tajikistan’s foreign policy.  “We are interested in expansion of cooperation with Slovakia,” Emomali Rahmon said. 

For his part, Slovakian diplomat noted that his country’s foreign minister is expected to pay the first official visit to Tajikistan already this year.  He expressed hope that the visit will pave the way for further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.  

Both sides vowed to boost bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Slovakia and outlined sectors like commerce, hydropower and processing of natural resources and farm produce, as areas of which could drive the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.