DUSHANBE, May 5, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The Energy Charter Secretary General, Ambassador Andre Mernier is arriving in Dushanbe today evening for a two-day working visit, according to the MFA information department.

During his stay in Dushanbe, Ambassador Mernier is scheduled to hold talks with a number of high-ranking Tajik state officials, including President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.

We will recall that President Emomali Rahmon met with Ambassador Andre Mernier in Brussels on February 10 this year.  The meeting focused on a range of issues within the framework of cooperation between the Energy Charter Secretariat and Tajikistan.

The two parties expressed their belief that the world is becoming increasingly interdependent, with complex energy systems that are steadily developing into regional markets to satisfy growing energy demand.  Both sides agreed that dialogue and partnership were essential in addressing today''s energy challenges in a predictable, stable and harmonious manner, including in Central Asia. Mr. Mernier welcomed Tajikistan''s willingness to increase its engagement with the Energy Charter process as a means to enhance the country''s energy policy.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides issued a statement outlining their commitment to deepen cooperation, notably through the Task Force on Regional Electricity Cooperation between Central and South Asian Countries. The statement also confirms the intention of the Secretariat to continue to offer training and internship opportunities to specialists and experts from Tajikistan.