DUSHANBE, March 24, Asia-Plus – Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, arrived in Dushanbe, Tajik capital, on Monday to attend a trilateral meeting with Tajik and Afghan foreign ministers and bilateral meeting with Tajik officials as well.

Mottaki was welcomed by his Tajik counterpart, Hamrohon Zarifi, and also by some other Tajik officials at the airport, IRNA reported.

Mottaki said that the visit is scheduled due to the previous discussions by Iran-Tajikistan presidents to expand bilateral ties.

He added that the recent visit of Tajik President, Emomali Rahmon, to Iran and his meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, led to new era for the two countries'' bilateral relations and that he would follow up implementation of the agreements signed by the two presidents.

Mottaki also said that the trilateral meeting is due to expand the three countries'' cooperation to promote the Persian Language and boost economic cooperation.

He said that the three countries enjoy common interest in the field of communications, transportation and energy which will help usher in a new chapter for the regional cooperation as reviewed on the sidelines of Summit of Leaders of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Mottaki is visiting Tajikistan at the invitation by his Tajik counterpart.

The three foreign ministers will determine a future date for the Iranian, Afghan and Tajik Presidents to meet.

Shanghai Summit will be held in Dushanbe in June.