The international community should take serious steps to end the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized during a joint press conference with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon.

Raisi said that "all the conscientious people" are deeply concerned over the fate of the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza. He reiterated that Palestine is an issue of concern for humanity in general and Muslims in particular.

Iran's President shed light on the international popular will that wants an end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip, the delivery of humanitarian aid to its people, and the restoration of Palestinian rights.

Before leaving for Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the Iranian President stressed that Gaza would be at the forefront of his activities during his visits to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Raisi is expected to hold a discussion on Palestine on a broader level with the attendees of the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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Iran, Tajikistan bolster ties

On relations with neighboring Tajikistan, the Iranian President underlined that ties between Tehran and Dushanbe have vastly improved over the past few months, however, he stressed that more targeted efforts should be made to deepen cooperation.

In more detail, Raisi said that following discussions with Rahmon, expanding ties between the two nations presented no obstacles. Raisi pointed to cultural commonalities, including the fact that the countries speak the same language.

"Today, the two countries’ top officials have the will to expand ties in all fields, and I believe officials of both sides must bring this into implementation. So far, good steps have been taken, but from now on big steps should also be taken to expand ties between the two countries."

Raisi stressed that the level of economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Iran does not correspond to the level of relations between them. He also stressed that Iran can offer Tajikistan the technical know-how in several industrial and economic areas including, energy, agriculture, and mining. The President highlighted the fact that Iran gained this expertise and developed its industries, due to sanctions imposed by the United States on the country.

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Tajikistan hails a constructive atmosphere

On his part, Rahmon said that the shared history and cultural aspects between Iran and Tajikistan provide solid ground for enhanced cooperation.

He highlighted the "constructive atmosphere" governing bilateral relations at the moment, saying that the two countries have great potential to expand cooperation in several fields.

In fact, the press conference came after high-level delegations from both countries signed 18 documents on commercial, industrial, transportation, energy, cultural, and scientific cooperation as well as a security agreement on fighting drug trafficking.

Read more: Iran FM calls for UN action on Israeli nuclear disarmament