India, Tajikistan sign four pacts, hold taks on energy, terrorism

New Delhi, Aug 7: India and Tajikistan today resolved to jointly fight global terrorism and signed four pacts on strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy, science and technology, foreign office consultation and culture.

The agreemeents were signed after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Tajikistan President Emomali Sharifovich Rahmonov here on bilateral, regional and international situation. The talks lasted more than an hour.

Mr Rahmonov who arrived here yesterday on a five-day state visit to India, began his official programmes today.

He was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan which was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat and official talks with the Prime Minister.

The two leaders signed a Joint Declaration resolving to cooperate for boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation and in the fight against terrorism.

Later today, the visiting dignitary is scheduled to address a business meeting organised by the CII/FICCI and ASSOCHAM.

He is also scheduled to meet Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeee.

Mr Rahmonov will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam in the evening who will host a dinner for him.

Tomorrow morning the Tajikistan President will give an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on 'Tajikistan aand the Vision of Central Asia.' He wil later leave for Jaipur and Hyderabad.

The two countries, at their Second meeting of the Indo-Tajik Joint Working Group (JWG) on Countering International Terrorism, condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation. The Indian delegation at the two-day talks here last week, was led by Mr K C Singh, Additional Secretary (International Organisations) in the Ministry of External Affairs while the Tajikistan delegation was led by Mr Abdullo Uldoshev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides reviewed the developments in the respective regions and shared concern on cross-border terrorism, emphasising the importance of action by all States to deny safe haven to terrorists.

They reiterated that cooperation in combating terrorism constitutes an important part of partnership between the two countries.

''They unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated their commitments to further strengthen counter - terrorism cooperation,'' a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said.

The two sides expressed concern on the increasing spread of narcotics in the region and agreed that this directly threatened the security of both the countries.

The JWG emphasised the strengthening of bilateral mechanisms and agreed to continue to exchange information and share experience in the fight against terrorism.

The two sides also shared concern regarding financing of terrorism in the region underlining this as crucial in the counter terrorism strategy.

To bolster capacity building the Indian side offered training courses in various aspects of counter-terrorism. The Tajik side agreed to study the offer.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the international fora and agreed to enhance cooperation through mutual consultations.

They also urged the early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations which India has sponsored and Tajikistan has supported.

It was agreed to hold the next session of the Indo--Tajik JWG on Counter Terrorism in Dushanbe in the first half of 2007.

''The coming visit of the Tajikistan President will boost a solid relationship between the two countries,'' a senior official of the External Affairs Ministry said. Besides cooperation in counter-terrorism, the two sides have also agreed to strengthen relations in trade and industry, transport, education, scientific and technical cooperation and tourism.

The two countries have already signed a protocol of the third session of the India-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economy, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

They have agreed to strengthen relations in industrial sector and discussed cooperation in mining sector including setting up joint ventures in minerals and mines sectors.

India also extended support to Tajikistan's entry into the WTO.

UNI