DUSHANBE, January 7, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Tajikistan, Mr. Olivier Maitland Pelen, conferred here Wednesday with President Emomali Rahmon at the end of his tenure to Tajikistan.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Rahmon, Mr. Pelen noted, “I am leaving Tajikistan as a great friend of your country.”

According to him, one of his tasks was to explain Paris a special position Tajikistan holds in Central Asia.  “Due to your president, I fulfilled this mission and proved that Tajikistan holds a special position in Central Asia in terms of strategic, economic and political significance,” French diplomat said.

He noted that during an hour''s talk they had discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation between France and Tajikistan in different fields as well as the current situation in Afghanistan.  “Everything that goes on in Afghanistan has an effect on Tajikistan in any case and the Panj River does not play the role of a barrier or border,” the ambassador noted.

He noted that international community should pay attention to solution of problems both in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.  “I agree with your president who noted today that it is impossible to solve the Afghan problem only by use of force or carrying out military operations.  There ought to solve the Afghan problem fully, beginning from tackling economic, social and political problems,” Mr. Pelen said.

He also said that during the meeting, President Rahmon had noted that Tajik embassy would be opened in Paris in the near future.