This morning, before the beginning of the SCO Summit, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai who arrived in Dushanbe as the leader of an observer state in this Organization.

The meeting addressed different topics of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international affairs between the two neighboring countries.

Head of state Emomali Rahmon, with reference to current situation in Afghanistan, stressed that protection of security, stability and national unity and on this basis establishment of the Government of National Unity is important not only for the long-suffering people of this country, but also for the whole region.

A constructive exchange of views took place on the fruitful implementation of cooperation programmes, strengthening of transit potential between the two countries in sectors of transportation and energy.

It was expressed confidence that the rich experience of fruitful cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, including in the area of maintaining stability and security in joint state frontier and fight against smuggling weapons and narcotics trafficking, as well as prevention of terrorism and extremism will be continued in the future.

In this connection, President Emomali Rahmon highlighted the necessity of “enhancement of the role of Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Coordination of Security and Border Structures of Tajikistan and Afghanistan”.

The sides also discussed the topics of the SCO Summit and other issues of mutual interest.