100208 - Iran has proposed to construct another hydroelectric power station in Tajikistan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon told journalists in Tehran today after talks with his Iranian counterpart Mahmud Ahmadinezhad, ITAR-TASS reported

"During my visit (to Tehran), the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed readiness to construct a new hydroelectric power station," the Tajik president said. "We hope that this idea will be implemented soon."

Rahmon highly rated the level of Tajik-Iranian relations. He said that Tehran and Dushanbe could develop relations in the spheres of transport, energy, joint investment and culture. "Iran is cooperating with Tajikistan very well in implementing several large-scale projects on building power stations," Rahmon noted.

For his part, Ahmadinezhad stressed that the sides "have reached good agreements in the spheres of transport, energy and culture."

Speaking to reporters after their official talks in Tehran, the two presidents said that Iran and Tajikistan are two friendly states with many commonalities.

"The Iranian and Tajik nations have had constructive and growing ties since Tajikistan's independence some 16 years ago," Ahmadinezhad said. "They have been determined to further promote bilateral relations."

He stated that in his talks with Rahmon, the two sides discussed political cooperation on the regional and international scenes as well as fighting against organized crime, terrorism, narcotics and extremism.

No obstacle would prevent the expansion of ties between Tehran and Dushanbe, the Iranian president added.

Rahmon, for his part, said that his visit to Tehran was taking place to prepare the groundwork for boosting bilateral cooperation, which would be in line with the interests of the two countries.

The Tajik president also extended an invitation to Ahmadinezhad to pay a visit to Dushanbe, Press TV reported.

Also on Sunday, Iran and Tajikistan signed three memoranda of understanding to boost cooperation in energy, petrochemical and transportation sectors.

The energy ministers of Iran and Tajikistan inked an agreement on the expansion of cooperation in various fields in the energy sector at the end of formal talks between Ahmadinezhad and Rahmon in Tehran.

Officials of the two countries also inked agreements on the establishment of a joint chemical company and the setting up of a joint venture, according to Press TV.

Tajik president called for transfer of Iran's electricity to his country, completion of rail roads and construction of roads connecting Tajikistan to Afghanistan, IRNA reported.

They also discussed investment in construction of aluminum plant by Tajikistan in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The two sides also reviewed drawing up preferential tariffs on goods which should be cleared from customs offices.