Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan met with Shukurjon Zuhurov, Speaker of the Lower Chamber of the Tajik Parliament, on June 9 to exchange views on ways to develop Korea-Tajikistan ties.
The two sides appreciated the steady development of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 and expressed expectation for cooperation in water-resources development, agriculture, road construction, and information and communications. Minister Kim explained the progress in the ongoing development cooperation projects between the two countries, including the construction of an in-stream micro hydro power plant and the training program for Tajikistan's agricultural specialists in Korea. Meanwhile, Speaker Zuhurov expressed willingness to cooperate for these cooperation projects to proceed smoothly.
Speaker Zuhurov relayed warm greetings from Tajik President Rahmon to President Lee Myung-bak and voiced hope for further development of bilateral ties through visit exchanges between the leaders and the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. Taking note of Korea's hosting of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum on an annual basis since 2007 to bolster cooperation between the two regions, Speaker Zuhurov extended gratitude to the Korean government for its invitation of his delegation to Korea.