DUSHANBE, January 30, Asia-Plus - President Emomali Rahmonov will start his week-long visit to Egypt and Syria on February 4, Asia-Plus has learned from the government. 

During the visits, Rahmonov is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Egypt (Muhammad Hosni Mubarak) and Syria (Bashar al-Assad) as well as some other high-ranking Egyptian and Syrian state officials to discuss issues related to bilateral cooperation of Tajikistan with these countries and the current situation in the Middle East. 

Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Boboyev told journalists yesterday that Tajikistan is expanding economic cooperation with many countries throughout the world, including Middle East.   

The minister said that during the upcoming visit of President Rahmonov to Egypt and Syria, a series of documents on economic cooperation between Tajikistan and these countries are expected to be signed. 

The minister noted that the present state of trade and economic relations of Tajikistan with Egypt and Syria is at improper level and there is considerable room for expansion of economic ties.  

According to data of the State Committee for Statistics, compared to 2005 a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Egypt last year reduced by 98.7 percent and valued at $3,100. 

Meanwhile, a trade between Tajikistan and Syria last year amounted to $126,400, which is 12.7 percent fewer than in 2005.