site.btaBulgaria's Deputy PM, Regional Development Minister Hold Meetings on Day Three of Tajikistan Visit

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov Friday met with Tajikistan's First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda, the deputy ministers of foreign affairs, economy and education, and members of the President's Cabinet. Zafirov also met with Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda in the Kohi Somon Palace in Dushanbe, the Council of Ministers said on Friday.

Atanas Zafirov and his delegation began their visit to Tajikistan on May 28. Zafirov is the first Bulgarian official to visit Tajikistan in 18 years and the third in the 32-year history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the meetings, the desire to deepen relations between the EU and Tajikistan was emphasized, with Bulgaria seen as a potential gateway to European markets and investment. The hosts described the visit as historic and expressed confidence that it would serve as a catalyst for revitalizing bilateral relations.

The delegation was invited to take part in the first international textile forum in Dushanbe in July, where Bulgarian companies could gain direct access to the Tajik market and explore joint manufacturing ventures.

At the meetings, the sides reaffirmed their readiness to begin negotiations on the legal framework of future bilateral cooperation in the economy, trade, transport, energy, culture and tourism, as well as to launch a regular air service between Sofia and Dushanbe.