Tajik president, U.S. representatives discuss economic, security cooperation

DUSHANBE. Aug 31 (Interfax) - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has met with U.S. special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor and Republican Senator Steve Daines, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in Bishkek to discuss bilateral cooperation and interactions on the regional and international agendas, the president's press service said in a statement.

""Tajikistan highly appreciates the role of the C5+1 mechanism as an important platform for regional dialogue and cooperation," Rahmon said.

Tajikistan is keen on a broader and stronger relationship with the United States in a variety of areas, the president said.

The meeting focused on the development of trade, economic cooperation and more investments. In particular, the sides discussed creating favorable conditions for investment in the country's energy, industrial and mining sectors.

The sides also considered possibilities of further interacting on energy transport, manufacturing, use of natural resources, agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.

Separately, the sides discussed regional security and stability, including the current situation in Central Asia and other regions, as well as political and diplomatic ways of settling the conflicts.

The U.S. and Tajikistan also maintain education, science, culture and humanitarian cooperation, which is seen as an important way of boosting mutual understanding between the two countries.

Security cooperation remains an important part of bilateral interaction, including countering modern threats and ensuring regional stability.

Both sides stressed their interest in strengthening the constructive dialogue and broader cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting also involved an exchange of views on other issues of the regional and international agendas.