DUSHANBE, June 28, 2013, Asia-Plus -- On Wednesday June 26, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi met in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, the two discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran.  Zarifi and Salehi reportedly assessed positively the dynamic expansion of bilateral cooperation between their countries, traditionally based on principles of friendship and mutual understanding.

Tajik foreign minister highly appraised the presidential election process in Iran.

The sides also focused on implementation of joint energy and infrastructure development projects in Tajikistan, including introduction of the second unit of the Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) into operation and participation of Iranian company, Metro, in conducting feasibility study for construction of the Tajik stretch of a rail link that will connect Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China.

200 Iranian companies now operate in Tajikistan.

Tajik and Iranian foreign ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Tajik MFA information department reports.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reports that speaking at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi, Zarifi congratulated the Iranian nation on its magnificent presidential election on June 14 saying that Iran set an example for world civilizations by the democratic and free voting.  He also congratulated Iranian president-elect Hassan Rohani on behalf of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on his election win.

Zarifi reportedly referred to religious, cultural and historical affinities between the two nations, calling for enhanced bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

While in Tehran, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi also met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on June 26.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reportedly noted in the course of the talks that relations between Iran and Tajikistan are exemplary for other nations.

“The two countries should maintain their friendly ties and spare no efforts to broaden it,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by IRNA.

Referring to the regular visits by senior officials of Iran and Tajikistan, President Ahmadinejad expressed the hope that such visits would lead to further expansion of relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Tajik foreign minister, for his part, conveyed the warm greetings of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to President Ahmadinejad and described Iran-Tajik relations as very good, IRNA reports.