Dushanbe, Apr 14: Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, on a four-day goodwill visit with the aim to improve strategic relationship with the resource-rich central Asian country in many areas, including counter-militancy.
During his visit, the two countries will deliberate on the issue of militancy, emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Earlier, during the flight from New Delhi, while speaking to mediapersons on board, Ansari said that Tajikistan has enormous interest in stability of Afghanistan.
“One area of common interest between the two of us and high priority interest is the problem of terrorism, emanating from the territory between us and them, which means Pakistan-Afghanistan. Tajikistan has enormous interest in stability of Afghanistan,” said Ansari on board the aircraft.
India and Tajikistan will also discuss bilateral trade. “I think the total trade turnover is about is $35 million. We have rendered a good deal of assistance to them in a variety of small projects,” said Ansari.
On his arrival at Dushanbe, Ansari was received by Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Davlatov Matlubkhon Sultonovich. The Indian Vice President is also leading a key delegation.
Later, Ansari had formal discussions with Davlatov Matlubkhon Sultonovich.
He will hold high-level talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1992.
