DUSHANBE, May 6, 2010, Asia-Plus -- An agreement between Tajikistan and Iran on establishment of the commission for consular affairs and a memorandum of understanding on simplification of the visa regime between the two countries are expected to be signed in Dushanbe tomorrow, May 7, according to the Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe.

Today, visiting Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Affairs, Mr. Hassan Ghashqavi, is scheduled to hold talks with Mr. Abdullo Yuldoshev, the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, and Ms. Ozoda Rahmonova, Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan.

The sides will discuss issues related to prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran, simplification of the visa regime and further introduction of visa-free travel between the two countries.

“We expect that Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi will receive Mr. Gahshqavi,” the source said.

In the meantime, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reported on March 5 that Tajikistan''s Foreign Ministry says Iran has officially proposed introducing visa-free travel between the two countries.  The MFA spokesman Davlat Nazriyev told RFE/RL that the issue would be discussed on May 8 and that Dushanbe was expected to accept the proposal.  Nazriyev said Hassan Ghashqavi, Iran''s deputy foreign minister for consular affairs, is to take part in the talks.

According to RFE/RL’s Tajik Service, Dushanbe-based analyst Qosim Bekmuhammad says that whenever the idea of visa-free travel with an Islamic country is under consideration, some people worry -- unduly, he says -- that it might give an opportunity to Islamic extremists.

Suhrob Sharifov, the head of the Center for Strategic Studies affiliated with the Tajik president''s office, says that he understands security concerns, but that the development of cultural and scientific ties should take precedence, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reported.

Similar proposals have been made several times in recent years, but Tajikistan has only agreed to visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders and other people traveling on state business, so-called service passports holders.