In a meeting with Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian in Tehran, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Mukhriddin called for strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
Expressing pleasure over the presence of Iranian companies in Tajikistan’s energy projects, Mukhriddin said: “The two nations are expected to boost collaboration in the energy sector in future,” the Energy Ministry news portal Paven quoted him as saying.
Referring to the 13th Iran-Tajikistan Joint Commission, due to be held in Tehran later this year, the Tajik minister hoped the meeting would help enhance mutual cooperation.
Regarding economic problems, he said the bulk of Tajikistan’s transit problems are due to the lack of access to the sea. He added that his country wants access to Iran’s Chabahar Port in the southeast.
Ardakanian hailed the Central Asian country’s potential for power generation. “Tajikistan has almost 15% of the world’s hydroelectric power capacity. When operational, this capacity will play a key role in the development of the region.”
“Tehran is ready to provide Dushanbe with energy transit facilities and infrastructure for economic development.”
Highlighting Iran’s potential for cooperation with all neighbors in the key water and power sector, Ardakanian said Iran sells or exchanges energy with all countries with which it has land borders.
“We intend to synchronize Iran's electricity network with Russia through the Republic of Azerbaijan or Armenia and Georgia,” he noted.
Tajikistan and Iran traditionally have had cordial relations sharing cultural and religious affinities. In the past decade Iranian companies have helped the Central Asian state with hydropower infrastructure.
During his Tehran visit, Mukhriddin conferred with President Hassan Rouhani and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.
