DUSHANBE, June 5, 2014, Asia-Plus – On Thursday June 5, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon received Acting Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister-designate of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Zarar Ahmad Osmani.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, the sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

They expressed confidence that the second round of Afghanistan’s presidential election will be held in more favorable atmosphere and will promote further strengthening of peace and political stability in Afghanistan and socioeconomic development of that country.

The two reportedly expressed satisfaction with fruitful cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries in combating terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.

A special attention was given to expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan in sectors like energy, transportation and road building.

They also expressed satisfaction with efficient operation of the 220 kV power transmission line from Sangtuda in Tajikistan to Pul-i Khumri in Afghanistan.

Rahmon and Osmani also pointed to the necessity of coordination of efforts on implementation of the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000).

They also underlined the necessity of speeding up construction of rail link connecting Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan as well as laying the gas pipeline from Afghanistan to Tajikistan.

Rahmon and Osmani also discussed a number of regional issues being of mutual interest.

Zarar Ahmad Osmani (1964) is a politician in Afghanistan, currently serving as Acting Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister-designate. Osmani was appointed as the acting Foreign Minister on October 28, 2013.  He previously served as Minister of Counter Narcotics and as Governor of Parwan Province. Prior to this he served as Chief of Police of Parwan province and as Afghan Ambassador to Iran.