DUSHANBE, September 11, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Speaking at a joint press conference with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe after their meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani noted on September 10 that Iran is ready to provide support to Tajikistan in keeping peace and stability.

He said that Iran and Tajikistan are determined to cement bilateral relations in all areas.

Iranian president felicitated Tajikistan National Day and said that Iran was the first country to recognize Tajikistan’s independence. 

Rouhani referred to cultural and historical commonalities between Iran and Tajikistan as a base for further expansion of cooperation.

Iranian president noted that Central Asia is a very sensitive region.  “Unfortunately, we have become witnesses of appearances of new challenges to stability and security in the countries of the region in recent months,” said Rouhani.  “We declare that stability and security of Tajikistan is stability and security of Iran.”

He noted that the Persian language shared by the two nations would help boost tourism between Iran and Tajikistan.

President Rouhani underlined the significance of pursuing promotion of relations among the three Persian-speaking countries – Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan – in trilateral meetings and said that from a geographical standpoint, Afghanistan is the connection between Iran and Tajikistan.