DUSHANBE, April 10, Asia-Plus - A broad range of issue related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were discussed at an April 9 meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with the head of the United Arab Emirates, President Zaid ibn Sultan an-Nahayan, in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.   

Presidential press service said that after the meeting of the heads of state of the two countries negotiations with participation of government delegations of Tajikistan and the UAE had been held. 

During the negotiations it was noted that a favorable investment environment having formed in Tajikistan promotes expansion of cooperation in the sectors like hydropower, transportation and communications, food and light industries, development and processing of natural resources and tourism.  

Both sides have underlined the importance of establishing long-term cooperation in the field of industry and have agreed to make efforts to achieve this goal, especially in view of the great potential for cooperation in the manufacturing sector in textiles, chemicals, construction materials, mining and processing of light metals, according to The Economic Times.  Possibilities of setting up joint ventures in the territories of both countries in identified areas will also be considered, it said.

In the course of the talks the sides also exchanged views on a state and prospects of expansion of trade cooperation between the two countries.  Both sides vowed to boost bilateral trade and expressed readiness to lay legal foundation of bilateral cooperation.  Possibilities of launching joint ventures in identified areas were also considered.  The sides agreed to set up joint intergovernmental commission and entrepreneurs’ union.  

The delegations also discussed regional and international issues being of mutual interest.  Discussing the present situation in the Middle East, the sides expressed concern that it could impede expansion of mutually beneficial regional cooperation, according to presidential press service.  The delegations declared for the necessity of taking by Muslim countries of measures to prevent clashes between religions and civilizations, presidential press service said.  

The same day, Emomali Rahmon held a series of meetings with senior representatives from the UAE ministries, organizations and companies.  The talks focused on expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. 

President Emomali Rahmon arrived in Abu Dhabi on April 9 for an official five-day visit.