DUSHANBE, February 23, Asia-Plus  -- On Friday February 22, President Emomali Rahmon met with his Ukrainian counterpart, President Viktor Yushchenko, in Moscow to discuss cooperation issues, presidential press service said.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Ukraine both in bilateral and multilateral format. 

Intensification of economic cooperation was focus of the talks.  The sides, in particular, spoke for developing cooperation in processing cotton fiber, vegetables and fruits, enhancing mining, tourism, health and education sectors in Tajikistan.  Both sides vowed to boost bilateral trade and support launch of joint enterprises.              

President Rahmon expressed gratitude for humanitarian aid Ukraine intends to provide to Tajikistan.

Viktor Yushchenko on February 21 instructed his government to provide humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan, which has been seriously affected by extreme winter weather and energy crisis.