DUSHANBE: Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to Tajikistan

DUSHANBE: At the invitation of Foreign
Minister of Tajikistan H.E Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, External Affairs Minister
Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Tajikistan on March 30-31,
2021.

2. During the visit, External Affairs Minister will have discussions with his
counterpart covering all aspects of the bilateral relations as well as regional
and international issues of mutual interest. He would call on President of the
Republic of Tajikistan H.E Mr. Emomali Rahmon. He is also expected to meet
other Tajik Ministers and dignitaries.

3. External Affairs Minister had earlier visited Dushanbe in June 2019 to
attend the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building
Measures in Asia. This visit is in continuation of the frequent high-level exchanges
between the two countries that will further strengthen the close strategic
partnership between India and Tajikistan.

4. External Affairs Minister will attend the 9th Ministerial Conference of
Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) on Afghanistan in Dushanbe on 30
March 2021 at the joint invitation of Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and
Tajikistan. He is also expected to meet leaders of other participating
countries on the sidelines.

5. As the lead country for Trade, Commerce and Investment Confidence Building
Measure (CBM) under HoA-IP, India has made concerted efforts for strengthening
regional connectivity for the greater economic integration of Afghanistan with
the region. A dedicated Air Freight Corridor between cities of India and Afghanistan
and operationalisation of Chabahar Port in Iran are steps in that direction.

6. India, as an important stakeholder for peace, prosperity and stability in
Afghanistan, has played a constructive role in the international processes on
Afghanistan. India has engaged regional and international stakeholders on
Afghanistan. This visit would further enhance our outreach to Central Asian
countries with a special focus on Afghanistan.