UN explores closer ties between Afghanistan, Tajikistan

The top United Nations to Afghanistan has been in neighbouring Tajikistan to explore further cooperation between the two nations.

Over the past two days, Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, has met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and senior officials for agriculture, energy and counter-narcotics.

“It is important to explore opportunities for win-win co-operation between Afghanistan and its neighbours,” Mr. Eide said. “I see real opportunities and hope very much that these opportunities can be built upon.”

Noting that he was “well-received” in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, he said there have been “positive signs of willingness” for stepped up collaboration with Afghanistan. There have been several bilateral agreements between the two nations in the past.

The Representative's visit to Tajikistan comes on the heels of recent trips to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

His efforts are part of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to support regional cooperation to promote stability and prosperity in the strife-torn nation.