President Maithripala Sirisena said it is his objective is to work closely with the other countries in the world in Sri Lanka’s march towards economic prosperity.President Sirisena made these comments during a bilateral discussion with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

President Sirisena who was on a state visit to Tajikistan to attend the 5th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia met President Rahmon as his fist official engagement.

The Sri Lankan President was accorded a grand welcome at the President’s Palace in Dushanbe.

Following exchange of pleasantries the two leaders sat for bilateral talks. Since both the countries are committed to strengthen economic development and international trade , the two leaders paid their attention to lay a solid foundation to revitalize the bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Tajikistan .

The necessity of forming a mechanism to identify business and investment opportunities were also emphasized.

Both leaders pleaded to work in unison to ensure regional security and the battle against drug trafficking.

The State visor by President Rahmon was recalled with due respect and Tajikistan President expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended towards him during his visit to Sri Lanka. He further said the current visit by President Sirisena will further cement the friendly ties between two countries.

During his stay in Dushanbe President Sirisena visited the Tajikistan National Museum where nature, civilizations, Mideaval period, modern and contemporary historical objects were on display. President inspected the structure of the museum and his special attention was drawn to a statue of Buddha which is many years old.

President then visited Nurek hydro power plant in Dushanbe. This plant is the main power plant in Tajikistan and the country is not only able to meet the high demand for electricity dueling winters seasons but also to export the excess during summer time. Once the construction of the power plant is completed export of power will occupy an important place in the foreign exchange earning of Tajikistan.

President Sirisena inspected the activities of the plant and the operational procedure of the plant was explained to him.

President was received by the Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan at the plant premises and a colorful welcome had been organized.

President together with his Tajikistan counterpart and the Deputy Prime Minister took part in a special banquet.