DUSHANBE, September 7, 2009, Asia-Plus -- After the negotiations, Indian and Tajik presidents met with reports.

President Rahmon, in particular, noted that Tajikistan and India as reliable partners discussed cooperation in different fields.  According to him, Tajikistan and India have good potential for expansion bilateral mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

“In 2008, trade between Tajikistan and India amounted to 57 million U.S. dollars and over the first seven months of this, Tajik-Indian trade has amounted to US$25 million, which is 17 percent more than in the same period of last year,” Rahmon said, noting that the sides have paid and will continue to pay attention to work of a joint intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation.

Tajik leader added that in the course of the talks they had also discussed a number of regional issues being of mutual interest.  “It is to be noted that Tajikistan and Indian have similar stances on issues related to providing security and expanding cooperation in the region,” said President Rahmon, “We consider that international terrorism and drug trafficking pose threat to stability, security and development of the region.”

“I am sure the visit of the Indian president would promote further development of friendly relations between our countries,” Rahmon said.