President Hassan Rouhani called for expansion of economic ties with Tajikistan, highlighting the capabilities of the two countries.
He made the remarks during a meeting between high-level Iranian and Tajik delegations held on Wednesday in Dushanbe to discuss bilateral relations, IRNA reported.
"Iran and Tajikistan have a common language and culture, and Iran was among the first countries which recognized Tajikistan," said the president.
Rouhani highlighted the capabilities of the two countries and asked for increased economic cooperation.
He referred to the investments made by Iranian companies in Tajikistan as a means to imrpove the Central Asian country's economic situation.
He said Tehran and Dushanbe could increase cooperation in cultural, political, and economic spheres.
"The two countries share same views regarding regional issues which helps reinforce bilateral relations," he added.
Tajik President Imomali Rahmon, for his part, underlined the need for enhanced bilateral ties.
"Your political notions are definitely fruitful for the prosperity of our country and we are keen to know your views about the future of our relations and the ways to improve mutual ties," Rahmon said, addressing Rouhani.
The delegations signed nine agreements in the presence of the two presidents at the Palace of Nation.
Talking at a joint news conference with his Tajik counterpart, Rouhani congratulated the Tajik people and government on the occasion of the country's Independence Day and said, "Iran was the first country that recognized the country's independence and has constantly worked to boost bilateral relations."
He described the hydroelectric power plant, which was opened in Tajikistan on Wednesday, as the fruit of good economic relations between the two countries.
