DUSHANBE, November 27, Asia-Plus  -- New Japanese Ambassador to Tajikistan Tsutomu Hiraoka (phonetically spelled) presented credentials to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon today morning.

In the course of the talks the two discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Japan in various fields. 

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Tajik head of state, Mr. Tsutomu Hiraoka noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992 and they have successfully developed since that time.  

Japan has supported implementation of various projects in Tajikistan and will continue providing assistance in future as well, also through the UN FAO Program, Japanese diplomat said.   He also expressed hope for expansion of economic cooperation between Japan and Tajikistan.  

 Tajik president and Japanese diplomat also considered issues related to rehabilitation of roads and enhancement of energy sector in Tajikistan.

Mr. Hiraoka stressed the light industry and mining as priority areas for cooperation.  A meeting to negotiate this issue was held last December and this dialogue will be continued, the Japanese diplomat said.  

Japan has provided significant assistance to Tajikistan under the rant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects.  Under this program, the Government of Japan has extended to the total grant of US$ 12,476,588 for 200 projects to support a variety of humanitarian and development activities in Tajikistan since 1996.