DUSHANBE, September 7, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Indian counterpart, President Pratibha Patil, who arrived in Tajikistan yesterday evening on an official visit are currently discussing issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and India.

According to Davlat Nazriyev the head of the Tajik MFA information department, the talks between Rahmon and Patil will be followed by enlarged negotiations with participation of the government delegations of the two countries.  No bilateral documents are expected to be signed during the visit, the MFA spokesman said.  After the negotiations, Indian and Tajik presidents will make statements for the press.

On Monday, the Indian president is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Oqil Oqilov and Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandgon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) Saydullo Khairulloyev.

Today President Rahmon and President Patil will also attend the Tajik-Indian Business Forum that will be held in the government out-of-town residence, Pugus, in Varzob.

On September 8, the Indian president will take part in celebrations dedicated to the 18th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence.

The same day, President Patil is expected to visit the shrine of Mir Said Ali Hamadoni, a poet and a prominent scholar who brought Islam to Kashmir in the 14th century, in Kulob.  On return from Kulob, she will visit the Park named after Mahatma Gandhi in Dushanbe.