DUSHANBE, January 21, 2009, Asia-Plus  - Tajikistan today plays an important role in the region in solution of issues related to Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi remarked at a press conference in Dushanbe on January 21.

“We are conducting negotiations with NATO states only on transit of non-military cargo through the territory of Tajikistan to Afghanistan and I think such an agreement will be reached in the near future,” Zarifi said.

According to him, Tajikistan and the United States have reached an agreement on construction of another bridge across the Panj River that will join Tajikistan and Afghanistan at Kokul in Khatlon’s Farkhor district.  The bridge will improve the flow of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and commerce and trade in the region.

On the issue of cooperation between Tajikistan and administration of the new US President Barak Obama, the minister said he hoped for cooperation in seeking solution to the Middle East problem and establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan.  He further added that Tajikistan had not had difficulties with President G. Bush’s administration on the key issues of world policy as well.