Within the framework of his official visit to Switzerland, the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried.

The officials discussed the issues of expansion and establishment of sister-cities relationship with this historical city.

President Rahmon conveyed his gratitude to the mayor's office for a warm and sincere welcome accorded to him and emphasized that the Switzerland has a special place in Tajikistan's foreign policy, and that it is considered as one of the friendly countries and a reliable partner in the international arena.

Dushanbe has established sister-cities relationship with 18 Central Asian nations, and those in Europe, America, Africa and other CIS member states.

The establishment of sister-cities relations with Bern will be a great expansion and will contribute to strengthening friendly ties between the two nations, the development of cultural and scientific exchange, communication and cooperation between the intelligentsia and youth of the two countries, amd likewise between higher educational institutions of the cities of Bern and Dushanbe.

During the meeting, issues related to the development of cooperation in the areas of tourism infrastructure, technology, and the expansion of bilateral trade, economic and investment relations were also discussed.