A two-way trade between Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran is planned to be increased to US$500 million.

Tajikistan’s state-run news agency Khovar says this issue was discussed at a meeting of the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Qohir Rasoulzoda, with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, which took place in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on February 18.  

The parties reportedly also discussed issues of visa-free travel, as well as possible investments in energy and transportation. It is expected that the further development of trade and economic ties will become an important priority for both countries.

Speaking about cultural and linguistic ties, which play a key role in strengthening bilateral cooperation, the parties emphasized the significant progress achieved after Pezeshkian's visit to Tajikistan.  This strengthened trust and opened new prospects for joint work, according to Khovar.

Meanwhile the Iranian president’s official website, president.ir, says Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the cultural and historical commonalities between Iran and Tajikistan as a foundation for deepening their relationship across different sectors.

During a meeting with Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda, which was held in Tehran on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 3rd Caspian Economic Forum, President Pezeshkian expressed optimism that cooperation documents signed between by officials of the two countries are expected to be implemented as soon as possible.

Pezeshkian reportedly referred to the agreement on visa waivers, saying that it would enhance cultural exchanges and facilitate travel for Iranian and Tajik tourists.

In response, Rasoulzoda expressed gratitude for the Iranian government’s hospitability and conveyed warm greetings from Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon to President Pezeshkian.

The Tajik prime minister also said that President Pezeshkian’s visit to his country would mark a turning point in bilateral relations, reaffirming Dushanbe’s commitment to implementing agreements between the two nations.