DUSHANBE, October 14, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- After his visit to Kuwait on October 10-12 to attend the 10th Ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi yesterday paid a working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Tajik MFA information department reported.

In Abu Dhabi, Zarifi met with Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash (Qarqash), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates.

The two reportedly considered a broad range of issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the UAE.

Hamrokhon Zarifi and Anwar Mohammed Gargash, in particular, discussed organization of visits of government officials under visa-free system, expansion of legal foundation of economic cooperation between the two countries, Tajikistan’s admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), regional cooperation and other international issues being of mutual interest.

They also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and process of reestablishment of peace in that country.  In this context, they touched upon the regional security issues.

Zarifi noted that Tajikistan attached significance to the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA V) that is expected to take place in Dushanbe in March 2012 and noted that the UAE representatives should take part in that conference.

The sides also pointed to the necessity of intensifying work of Tajik diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi and opening the UAE Embassy in Dushanbe as well as launching direct air route between Dushanbe and Abu Dhabi.

On the same day, Tajik minister held talks with Mr. Hugo Lucas, Deputy Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The sides noted a huge potential of use of renewable energy resources in Tajikistan and providing more sustainable energy future of the country.  They also discussed issues related to future cooperation and possible ways to establish close and mutually beneficial relations between Tajikistan and IRENA.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was founded in 2009 to promote widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy.  IRENA facilitates access to all relevant renewable energy information, including technical data.  Its statute entered into force on July 8, 2010.

In June 2009, at the Preparatory Commission meeting Abu Dhabi was elected as interim headquarters of the Agency.

IRENA aims to become the main driving force in promoting a transition towards the use of renewable energy on a global scale.  Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialized and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity.  The agency will facilitate access to all relevant information including reliable data on the potential of renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms and state-of-the-art technological expertise.

IRENA provides advice and support to governments on renewable energy policy, capacity building, and technology transfer.  IRENA will also coordinate with existing renewable energy organizations, such as REN21.

As of March 16, 2011, 148 countries and the European Union have signed the statute of IRENA, and 66 signatories have ratified it.  Signatories include almost all European and African countries, and also major economies as the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.