Iranian foreign minister arrives in Tajikistan for 3-day official visit
DUSHANBE. March 7 (Interfax) - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi will come to Dushanbe on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to discuss Iranian investments in the Tajik economy and preparations for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the country, a Tajik Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
"The parties are expected to discuss the development of Iranian-Tajik economic cooperation, the bringing into operation of unit 1 of the Sangtuda-2 Hydropower Plant, the completion of the Istiqlol Tunnel, and the beginning of the construction of the Aini Hydropower Plant," the diplomat said.
Iran is Tajikistan's fifth largest trade partner, following Russia, China, Turkey and Kazakhstan in this respect. Iran is also investing in a number of major energy and transportation communications projects in that country.
Unit 1 of the Sangtuda-2 Hydropower Plant with a projected capacity of 220 MWt was put into operation in September 2011. Iran's investments in the Sangtuda-2 project amounted to $216 million, while Tajikistan's to only $40 million.
Officials from Dushanbe and Tehran signed a protocol of intent on building the Aini Hydropower Plant with a planned capacity of 130 MWt in September 2011.
Trade turnover between the two countries reached $204 million in 2011.
The Iranian president's visit is scheduled for the end of March, when Tajikistan, Iran and a number of other Muslim countries will celebrate the religious holiday of Nowruz, or the Iranian (Persian) New Year.
