DUSHANBE, May 29, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Turkey will provide technical assistance to Tajikistan with organization of free economic zones (FEZs), President Emomali Rahmon announced at a briefing in Dushanbe on May 29 following his talks with his Turkish counterpart, President Abdullah Gul.

“It was decided that using its wide experience, Turkey will assist Tajikistan with joining the Word Trade Organization (WTO) and support organization of free economic zones in Tajikistan,” President Rahmon said.

According to him, they discussed a broad range of issues related to further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Turkey.  “A special focus was given to economic cooperation between our countries.  We are sure that our economic cooperation has good prospects and we will able to use them in interest of the two countries,” Tajik leader said, noting that under agreements reached during the talks, representatives of a number of Turkish companies will arrive in Tajikistan this year and an exhibition of Turkish goods will be held in the country in 2010.

Rahmon noted that they had also discussed important regional issues.  “Tajikistan and Turkey share similar stances on security and regional cooperation issues.  We consider international terrorism and illicit dug trafficking as a serious threat to the regional security,” he stressed.