DUSHANBE, December 12, Asia-Plus -- Dr. Izzat Saad, new Egyptian diplomatic representative for Russia and Tajikistan, who arrived in Dushanbe yesterday, presented credentials to President Emomali Rahmonov today morning, presidential press service reported.  

After the credentials-presenting ceremony, the two discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of economic and trade cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt. 

Rahmonov outlined sectors like tourism, hydropower, education and some others, as areas of which could drive the bilateral trade between the two countries. 

Egyptian diplomat handed to President Rahmonov an invitation to pay an official visit to Egypt in February 2007.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting with Rahmonov, Dr. Saad noted that Egypt is satisfied with the present level of political relationships with Tajikistan.  According to him, technical cooperation between Egypt and Tajikistan is expanding.  “Tajik youth are giving short-term training courses in Egypt; more than 80 people have to date taken such courses,” Dr. Saad said. 

According to him, one of priorities of bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Tajikistan is providing assistance to Tajikistan in development of tourism and relevant industries, as well as training of personnel for Tajikistan’s tourism sphere.  “This issue will be one of major topics of President Rahmonov’s discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo,” the Egypt’s diplomat said, adding that his country has good experience of developing hydropower sector and these issues will be discussed during his meetings with administration of the Tajik ministry of energy and industry.         

During his staying in Dushanbe, Egyptian diplomat is also scheduled to meet with other high-ranking Tajik state officials.