Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 21 /Trend/
Tajikistan is sure that Iran would participate in implementation of the hydroelectricity projects in the country, President Emomali Rahmon said today in the meeting with Iranian Parliament's Speaker Ali Larijani, Asia-Plus reported referring to the presidential press service.
During the meeting, the sides discussed multi-aspect cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Tajik leader reportedly expressed satisfaction with introduction of the Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant's first unit into operation.
The sides noted that the two countries' parliaments could promote further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran through adopting appropriate laws.
Rahmon and Larijani also discussed ways to strengthen trilateral parliamentary cooperation among Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
Larijani heading Iranian parliamentary delegation arrived in Dushanbe for a two-day visit on Thursday. On arrival in Dushanbe, he met with the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Parliament) Speaker Shukurjon Zuhurov.
Today, Larijani is also scheduled to hold talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.
The Sangtuda-2 plant with capacity of 220 megawatts will cost around $220 million, of which Iran will invest $180 million and Tajikistan $40 million. Once the hydropower plant is completed, Iran will obtain all revenue for electricity sold for 12.5 years, after which ownership of the plant will be transferred to Tajikistan.
Construction of Sangtuda-2, located 100 kilometers south of Dushanbe on the Vakhsh River, began in February 2006.
Furthermore, two countries signed intergovernmental agreement on construction another two hydropower plants during a working visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Dushanbe on September 4 to 5.
The Ayni power plant is expected to be built by Iran on the Zeravshan River. This plant will have a capacity of 150 megawatts. The country is also planning to develop a small hydro power plant with 22 megawatt capacity on the Iskandarya River, a Zeravshan tributary.
Iran and Tajikistan are currently looking into funding for the Ayni and Iskandarya River power plants.
Edited by T.Konyayeva.