November, 12th 2009….
Assistant Minister for the Asian affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Fathallah, conducted a visit to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan within the framework of Egypt's interest in central Asian countries in activating and strengthening the bilateral relations with countries of the region as well as achieving communication and following up consultations in regional and international issues of common interest.
As for Tajikistan, Ambassador Fathallah stated the importance of keeping political consultations between the two countries. He also proposed the multilateral political cooperation in international organizations, including cooperation within the OIC. Egypt expressed support for Tajikistan's hosting the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in May 2010, which was most welcomed by the Tajik side. Noteworthy, this is the first time an Islamic central Asian country hosts the OIC council of Foreign Minister.
Points of view were exchanged regarding a number of regional and international issues of common concern, mainly the Middle East, and the situation in Sudan and Afghanistan. The two sides reached convergence of views on such issues particularly Egypt's claiming an immediate halt to the Israeli settlement.
Developing the economic relations between both countries also was tackled, most important of which were the fields of health and medicine, food industry, building and construction, mining, energy and tourism. Both sides reviewed the outcomes of the 1st session of the joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the two countries held in Tajikistan, January 2009.
As for Turkmenistan, bilateral ties were tackled in the light of the Turkmen President Berdimuhamedow expected visit to Egypt the upcoming year.
The discussions included an affirmation on the importance of keeping periodical political consultations between the two countries.
Both sides agreed on the importance of exchanging visits between senior officials and businessmen in both countries to boosting economic and trade relations. In this context, the Turkmen Trade Minister is expected to visit Egypt by the outset of next year, in preparation for holding the second session of the joint committee prior to the expected visit of the Turkmen President.