All aspects of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest will be discussed during the visit

Continuing with high-level exchanges to further strengthen the close strategic partnership between the two countries, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Tajikistan next week.

He will discuss issues of bilateral importance during his March 30-31 visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

The 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, said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

He would call on President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. EAM Jaishankar is also expected to meet other Tajik Ministers and dignitaries.

EAM Jaishankar had earlier visited Dushanbe in June 2019 to attend the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

According to the MEA, the 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.

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.

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,” the MEA said in a statement.