Iran, Tajikistan seek union of Persian-speaking countries, deeper economic ties

Iran and Tajikistan have proposed establishing a union of Persian-speaking countries and regions, creating a joint committee on Persian language and culture, and expanding cooperation in energy, technology and trade, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reports. The proposals were discussed at a meeting between Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on October 19. Aref reportedly thanked the Tajik government and people for their support for Iran during the war involving the United States and Israel. He said the two countries should make greater use of their historical, cultural and linguistic ties to strengthen bilateral relations.

The two sides proposed establishing a union of Persian-speaking countries and regions, opening centers dedicated to Nowruz, creating an Aryan civilization center, and setting up a joint high-level committee on Persian language, literature, culture and civilization. They also stressed the importance of reviving the ancestral script in Tajikistan. Trade and energy cooperation Aref said bilateral trade had increased by 50% in recent months compared with the same period last year, despite obstacles, including the war involving Iran. However, he noted that trade remained below the two countries’ potential and called for closer commercial, scientific, technological, cultural and tourism ties. He also welcomed Rahmon’s proposal for an energy corridor linking Iran’s South Pars gas field, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. According to Aref, the initiative has been submitted to the Iranian president. Iran is ready to cooperate with Tajikistan in oil and gas exploration, petrochemicals and petroleum product exports, Aref said. Both sides emphasized…