“Living Up to Commitments Not Be Ignored,” Insists Tajik Ambassador

Tajikistan’s ambassador announced planning to increase the amount of trade between Iran and Tajikistan to 300 million dollars a year, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Ne’matollah Emomzada, 56-year-old Tajik ambassador and the fourth ambassador of Tajikistan to Iran during the 23 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, was earlier ambassador to Ukraine and consulate in Mazar-e Sharif in Afghanistan.

In an interview with Fars News Agency, he named Tajik embassy as the small Tajikistan in Tehran and said, “In the past, I studied at Foreign Ministry’s Institute for Political and International Studies and I have good memories from Iran. Furthermore, the mutual history, civilization and culture between the two countries make them inseparable.

He expressed the growth of economic relations as his top priority and said, “I have determined the increase of economic relations as my first work plan and second is increase and growth of cultural relations, since there exist thousands of years old Common history and culture between Iran and Tajikistan and also the emotional bonds between the two nations.”

There exist more than a thousand-year-old inseparable culture, history and civilization between Iran and Tajikistan that no one can put space between them. We have also need to boost the joint economic activities between the two nations and states, Emomzada cited.

When he was asked about the main reason of 35-million-dollar decrease of trade in 2014 to 143 million dollars, he related, “The growth of trade and economic relations in the first 6 months of the current year has descended but we are to increase it in the second half of the year to make that descend up. We also have a plan to reach 300 million dollars in our trade and commerce. Considering the commercial and industrial facilities between the two countries, this goal is quite achievable.”

He pointed out, “Because of the satisfaction of the level of relations between the two governments, by holding joint economic and trade commissions, soon the trade will reach the point of 300 million dollars a year. There is a great promise for the development of trade, commerce and industrial relations between the two countries.”

About the activities of Iranian companies in Tajikistan and their support for growth and development of the country, Emomzada added, “We are proud of the presence of Iranian companies in our country for they are helping in various sectors in Tajikistan. Saber, Farab and Sangab are some of these companies.

Tajikistan’s ambassador to Tehran asserted, “The Iranian Company, Saber, is active in constructing Esteghlal Tunnel in Tajikistan. Also the main investor of Sangtuda hydroelectric power plant is Farab Company from Iran. Unfortunately due to financial problems a part of commitments has not been fulfilled, however, the existing problems are soon to be solved.

He mentioned, “Various companies are looking for joint activities and develop their services in Tajikistan. Considering the Tajikistan’s needs for the presence and activities of Iranian companies, I am in favor of their activities in Tajikistan. Recently, an international conference with the participation of OIC member states was held in Dushanbe and big delegations came together to facilitate the investments of traders and investors in Tajikistan”.

In tender offers held in Tajikistan, we attempt to have the widespread presence of Iranian companies, Tajikistan’s ambassador added.

Replying the question about the number of Iranian prisoners in Tajikistan and Tajik prisoners in Iran, he asserted, “It’s an issue that has been noticed by the officials of the two countries for years. There are 7 Iranians captured in Tajikistan’s prisons for different crimes. About the number of Tajik prisoners in Iran, we do not have credible reports, though. Due to absence of extradition of criminals’ agreement Between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, we are waiting for Iran to present such an agreement and subsequently send back Tajik prisoner to their country. In prior meeting with Iranian officials, extradition of criminals has been discussed.

About the permanent membership of Iran in Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Tajikistan’s ambassador to Tehran asserted, “On the sideline of Shanghai Summit in Tajikistan, President Rouhani had a private meeting with President of Tajikistan in which the Tajik president stated that he tries and helps for the immediate permanent membership of Iran in Shanghai Cooperation Organization”.

In another part of the interview, Emomzada pointed out, “Tajikistan has always been in favor of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and it will always be on our agenda. We are proud of Iran’s success in the negotiations with P5 + 1 and we hope that Iran reach the ultimate success in this case.

On sports cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran, the ambassador said, “Sports cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran have been established over the years and continues. The Tajiks have welcomed the Construction of the first Zurkhaneh in the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Tajikistan. This sport has a lot of lovers in Tajikistan. These actions are only part of the sports cooperation between the two countries.

Emomzada also mentioned, “Based on the existing contracts between Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, every year a large number of Tajik students are accepted in different universities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, meanwhile there are Iranian students studying in Tajikistan.

At the moment, there are 50 Iranian students, mostly Ph.D. candidates, studying in Tajikistan’s universities. There are also more than 400 Tajik students graduating in different majors at Mashhad, Tabriz, Gorgan, Qazvin, Qom, Shiraz and Isfahan universities. Since in some branches of science and today’s knowledge, Tajikistan has many needs, we require to increase the number of our students in Iran particularly in medical and engineering majors. We are trying to achieve this goal because we do need Tajik skilled experts.

Answering a question about joint actions among the three Persian speaking countries and their mutual historical and cultural bonds, he added, “Speaking the same language and sharing the same views of the three friend and brother countries, Republic of Tajikistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,  has always been considered by the leaders of these countries. For years it has been discussed in the sideline of different summits and bilateral and trilateral meetings”.

He said, “Except Nowruz celebrations which are common verbal, cultural, historical and civilizational subject among Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, there are other subjects discussed mutually including construction of five-sided railway with the participation of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. To complete this project, we need more help from Islamic Republic of Iran. This important railway goes to China’s markets through Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan and is considered as a megaproject. Another project which can strengthen the ties among the three countries is transferring Tajikistan’s water to Iran through Afghanistan. These two (railway and water transfer) are the current subjects among the three Persian-speaking countries of the region”.

One of the fundamental projects between Iran and Tajikistan and also among the countries of the region is the railway that passes through China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Construction of this railway is vital for Tajikistan because our country does not have a direct way to the sea. Islamic Republic of Iran has a significant role in technical and economic studies for the project. Tunnel construction projects through “Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan – Afghanistan – Iran» has also require contribution, Tajikistan’s ambassador added.

He said, “In this regard, multilateral cooperation between the countries of the region, particularly Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan is especially important. In today’s sensitive conditions, regional cooperation in fighting against global threats, expansion of economic and trade relations, investment, Technology, etc. are of the most essential issues”.

Emomzada maintained, “Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan should be serious and active in establishing electric power, gas and drinking water transmission and also in constructing railways and roads. Establishing electric power plants in Tajikistan and transmitting inexpensive electricity to needy countries of the region is beneficial for the countries. In today’s conditions, feasibility and establishment of China – Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan – Afghanistan railway and its integration into the railway network of Iran and Pakistan is necessary”.

About the presence of Tajik companies and investors in Iran, Emomzada said, “Unfortunately, major companies and investors of the Republic of Tajikistan are not present in Iran and only joint companies which have been established for some services and activities between the two countries are active. An example of the joint companies between Iran and Tajikistan is the industrial company, Tajiran, which is giving services to Tajik citizens in manufacturing agricultural machinery like tractors”.

In another part of this interview, Emomzada pointed to historical, cultural and verbal commonalities between Iran and Tajikistan and said, “Iran was the first country that recognized and supported the independence of Tajikistan in 1992 and has so far given a lot of technical and economic assistance to Tajikistan”.

He pointed to expansion and strength of friendly relations between Tajikistan and Iran and asserted, “Expansion and strength of friendly relations between Tajikistan and Iran has helped the peace and stability of the region. Reviewing regional issues particularly Afghanistan has a special position in the relations of the two countries and we have always invited the international community to contribute to the reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan.  Other regional and international issues are also constantly discussed in friendly and constructive atmosphere”.

Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Iran emphasized on the inseparable history and culture of the two countries and the fact that Tajikistan considers itself as part of Greater Khorasan and said, “Accordingly, Tajikistan efforts to expand cultural, historical and economic cooperation”.

During the interview, he noted that more than 99 percent of Tajiks are Muslim and respecting Islamic musts is their priority.

About the current state of visas between the two countries, Emomzada explained, “Visas are within the intergovernmental relations. In this context, we are responsible to issue visas for Iranian applicants. Now getting visa is very easy for Iranian citizens and we issue a- 30 to 45 – days visa for them. Even they can get it after flight to Tajikistan. There is no problem in this case’’.

Regarding the assessment of bilateral relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Ira, he said, “Bilateral relations between the two countries were officially established 23 years ago and gradually expanded. Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Iran is at a high level now.  Numerous official visits between the heads of the two states since 1992, has help the strength of the ties”.

During the years after the independence of Tajikistan, for economic growth and development of Tajikistan particularly in fields of science, culture, education, etc. Iran has done a lot. Of the results of this cooperation, we can refer to construction of Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant which plays an important role in energy supply for Tajikistan and also Esteghlal Tunnel that is on the verge of completion, Emomzada asserted.

He pointed to the friendly relations of the two countries and said, “During the past 12 years, economic and trade cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran has boosted and around 150 international documents have been signed in the fields of economy, trade, investment, communications, science, culture, etc.”.

Activation of the second cycle of Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant and installation of these important facilities is the fruit of cooperation between the two countries in energy sections. Tajikistan and Iran have common terms on regional and global issues including assistance for resolving the issues of Afghanistan, he cited.

Emomzada pointed to economic and trade cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran and added, “Economic and trade cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran is boosting and joint commissions are active. In 2013, the volume of exchange of goods between the two countries was over 292.3 million dollars.  In the first half of 2014, this number exceeded 134 million dollars. Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the important partners of Tajikistan and is in our top 10 partners”.

There exist direct flights between the two countries including Dushanbe-Tehran, Dushanbe-Mashhad and Mashhad- Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s ambassador asserted.

Emomzada pointed to potential joint cooperation between Tehran and Dushanbe and claimed, “Of these cooperation, we can name Construction of Eini hydropower plant on the Zarafshan River, completion of Esteghlal Tunnel, the integration of electricity and transportation networks of the two countries, establishment of a water pipe from Tajikistan to Iran and oil and gas pipes from Iran to Tajikistan”.

Tajikistan’s ambassador to Tehran pointed to agricultural capacities between the two countries and said, “Regarding the rich experience of Islamic Republic of Iran, cooperation with Iranian experts in the fields of irrigation system, agricultural equipment, fertilizer production, the fight against vermin, construction of fruit and vegetable processing and packing machinery manufactures, dairy products, animal husbandry etc. is our favorable objective. Based on Tajikistan’s good climatic conditions and abundant water, the growth of small and medium entrepreneurship is desirable.

Emomzada emphasized on the importance of expanding cooperation between chambers of commerce and industrial sectors of the two countries, saying, “Tajikistan and Iran plan to build railways and roads to facilitate transportation and also increasing commodity circulation and the level of cooperation between the two countries.

He also noted the achievements of the visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and stated, “Official visit of Hassan Rouhani, the president of Iran, to Tajikistan on September 11 and 10 of the current year was coinciding with Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Dushanbe and resulted in signing 9 partnership Documents and 7 Memorandums of cooperation between the two states on prevention from and fighting against production, trafficking and utilizing drugs, psychotropic substances etc.

Emomzada said, “At the meeting of the heads of the two states on the sidelines of Shanghai Summit, issues related to friendly relations and cooperation in various fields were examined.

He pointed to the beginning of the second phase of Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant with the presence of the heads of Iran and Tajikistan on the sidelines of Shanghai Summit and added, “Full inception of Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant allows the annual production of electric energy to the average to 500 million kilowatts. It can significantly reduce power shortages in the cold”.

Tajikistan’s ambassador to Tehran noted, “Hassan Rouhani, the president of Islamic republic of Iran, in his trip to Dushanbe, besides opening the second phase of Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant, emphasized that it is not the end but the beginning of an extensive economic cooperation especially in the energy sector between Iran and Tajikistan.

Emomzada has also said, “Implementation of KACA 1000 which integrates electric networks of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan is our priority.

In another part of the interview, He cited, “Iran plans to help Tajik farmers, including the purchase of technology and equipment, to create a joint enterprise with one of the due banks.

He continued the interview with the current situation of Afghanistan and its impact on the region and the relations between Tajikistan and Iran and said, “Today in many ways, the social and economic stability of the region depends on Afghanistan’s condition. Republic of Tajikistan is in favor of measures that would lead to peace and security in Afghanistan. One of the greatest regional programs about consolidation of border security that should be comprehensively supported is the joint project of the United Nations and the Commission of Europe on fighting against crimes and Illegal circulation of drugs to the bordering countries.

Beneficial cooperation between countries within trilateral relations and also different regional and global organizations including Economic Cooperation Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Shanghai Cooperation Organization has good areas of collaboration, Tajikistan’s ambassador asserted.

Agreements on trade and economic fields (ECOTA) and transit and transportation can help these collaborations, Emomzada said.

He noted, “Meetings on economic, cultural and security quadrilateral cooperation is also one of the proposals of the Republic of Tajikistan which was welcomed by Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

Tajikistan’s ambassador to Iran added, “For timely and full implementation of previous commitments we should not “neglect”. Within the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, our countries should have a more complete agenda about ‘International Day of Nowruz’ and ‘Culture of Peace’”.