DUSHANBE, May 6, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Introducing visa-free travel between the Persian-speaking countries may negatively impact Tajikistan, Tajik political scientist Abdullo Rahnamo said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

“Tajikistan may be influenced by these countries as these countries are more developed compared to Tajikistan in terms of economics and culture,” said the expert, “Therefore, social and cultural influence will be unilateral.”

According to him, there are significant differences between Tajikistan and other Persian-speaking countries.  “Political structures of Iran and Afghanistan differ from Tajikistan’s political structure fundamentally; besides, we have some differences of ideological and foreign political views.  These factors do not allow our countries to establish closer relations,” the expert said

In the meantime, he noted that simplification of visa regime between Tajikistan and Iran was an important step for establishment of closer relations between the two countries.

“All in all, establishment of close relations with Iran and Afghanistan is a positive vector in foreign policy of Tajikistan,” said Rahnamo, “Under the conditions of globalization, establishment of close relations between the countries on the basis of commonality of culture, language and religion guarantees preservation of culture, religion, language and other values of those countries.”

It is vital that Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan form common political and economic interests along with common values, the expert added.