DUSHANBE, October 25, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Tomorrow, President Emomali Rahmon is receiving Afghanistan’s Vice-President Mohammad Qasim Fahim.

A well-informed source in the Tajik Government says Mohammad Qasim Fahim is arriving in Dushanbe tomorrow for a four day visit.  Afghan vice-president and Tajik president will discuss a broad range of bilateral and regional issues.

They will consider issues related to strengthening of stability and security in the Central Asian region, establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan, expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan in spheres like energy, security, and communications, the source said.

During his stay in Dushanbe, Mohammad Qasim Fahim is also scheduled to hold talks with heads of a number of ministries and agencies of Tajikistan.   

Mohammad Qasim Fahim, 55, also known as “Marshal Fahim”, is an Afghan military commander, politician and the First Vice President since November 2009.  He was the Defense Minister of the Afghan Transitional Administration, beginning in 2002 and also served as Vice President from June 2002 to December 2004.  Fahim was replaced by Abdul Rahim Wardak, who was appointed as defense minister by President Hamid Karzai on December 23, 2004 when the transitional administration gave way to a popularly-elected administration.  Fahim is a member of Afghanistan''s Tajik ethnic group.  Fahim is the recipient of the Ahmad Shah Baba Medal.  He is fluent in Persian, Pashto and Arabic.

Many international experts consider that Mohammad Qasim Fahim is one of leaders of ethnic Tajiks in Afghanistan.