DUSHANBE, September 1, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon today sent a telegram of congratulations to his Uzbek counterpart, President Islam Karimov, on occasion of the 18th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence, according to presidential press service.

In his message, Tajik leader, in particular, noted that noticeable impulse had been given lately to further development of relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.  President Rahmon expressed hope for continuation of fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries to the benefit of the peoples and for stability and security in the region.