DUSHANBE, October 16, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- On Saturday October 16, President Emomali Rahmon met here with visiting Belgian Defense Minister Pieter De Crem.

According to presidential press service, the sides expressed interest in expansion of bilateral economic and investment cooperation between Tajikistan and Belgium and discussed support for Tajikistan in ridding its border of landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs).

They noted that expansion of cooperation between defense and security bodies of the two countries would promote strengthening of peace and tranquility in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The Tajik head of state, in particular, underlined the significance of international community’s support for finding solution to the Afghan problem and noted that it was impossible to reduce danger emanating from that country without efforts of the whole international community.

Mr. Pieter De Crem, for his part, appreciated Tajikistan’s support for the NATO-led antiterrorist coalition in Afghanistan, presidential press service said.

President Rahmon expressed hope that Belgium would use its presidency of the European Union Council to promote removal of artificial obstacles created in the way of regional cooperation in Central Asia.

The sides expressed their readiness to cooperate in fighting terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.