DUSHANBE, October 26, 2010,  -- In the framework of his official visit to Afghanistan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon yesterday met in Kabul with Mohammad Younis Qanooni, the current Speaker of Wolesi Jirga (Afghanistan’s lower house of parliament), according to presidential press service.

The sides discussed legal aspects of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Afghanistan and issues related to inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Tajik leader, in particular, noted that constructive cooperation in all areas was of significant importance for both countries.  “In this connection, we underline a significance of expansion of this cooperation,” Rahmon said.

The two expressed readiness to promote further expansion of friendly relations and all-round cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Wolesi Jirga (House of People) is the 250-member lower house of Afghanistan’s bicameral parliament, alongside with Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders).

Wolesi Jirga is the chamber that bears the greater burden of law making in the country.  It has the primary responsibility for making and ratifying laws and approving the actions of the president.

The first elections in decades were held only in September 2005, four years after the fall of the Taliban regime, still under international supervision.  The 2010 Wolesi Jirga elections were held on September 18, 2010.  Final, certified results are expected on October 31, 2010