India, Tajikistan discuss ways to counter cross-border terror

DUSHANBE: India and Tajikistan today discussed mutual cooperation on security issues and countering cross-border terrorism during a "very productive meeting" here between visiting Vice President Hamid Ansari and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Both the "brotherly countries" also agreed to strengthen their relations in energy and medical sectors among others.

"In our talks, I emphasised India's commitment to our strategic partnership. We have agreed to strengthen our relations further in the energy sector, Information technology, health, education and in the establishment of small and micro industries in Tajikistan," Ansari said in a statement after his meeting with the top Tajik leader.

"We discussed cooperation on security issues as well as in countering cross-border terrorism," Ansari said.

Terming it as "very productive meeting" with the Tajik President and a very constructive delegation level talks, Ansari said, "our talks focused on further strengthening the already close relations between our two brotherly countries".

The two nations discussed regional security issues especially with regard to Afghanistan.

"We exchanged views on how to cooperate in maintaining regional peace and security. In this, the situation in Afghanistan is of prime importance. Both the president and I agree that nations in the region, as well as the international community, should strengthen Afghanistan's capacity to maintain peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan peoples," the Vice President said.

Tajikistan has a porous 1,420 kms border with Afghanistan. The country has concerns with regard to pull out of international security forces from the turbulent nation due to the activities of Taliban militants.

The two sides discussed the international political situation and agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral organisations.

Ansari, who is on a four-day goodwill visit to Tajikistan, is the first Indian Vice President to ever come to the central Asian country.