KABUL – Mohammad Haneef Atmar, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan held a telephone call with the Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, today morning.

At the outset, the Afghan Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the Tajik Governments support of the Afghan Government’s position in the peace process and its readiness to host the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process Foreign Ministers Meeting. In addition, Minister Atmar reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to expanding and strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Tajik Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country's support for the Afghan Governments position in the peace process namely the preservation of the Islamic Republic and safeguarding the achievements of the last 19 years. He expressed hope that the long running Afghan war could be ended through the joint efforts of the Afghan government, people and the sincere cooperation of regional and global stakeholders.  

The Foreign Ministers emphasised the deep religious, cultural and historic ties between the two countries and deliberated on ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries including preparations for the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process Foreign Ministers meeting to be hosted by Tajikistan later this year and the potential to increase electricity imports to Afghanistan.

In closing, both parties agreed to arrange a call between the Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Tajikistan to further strengthen cooperation.