TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sent a congratulatory message to his Tajik counterpart on the Central Asian country’s Independence Day, voicing Tehran’s resolve to enhance relations with Dushanbe in all fields.

In his Friday message to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, President Rouhani congratulated the government and nation of Tajikistan on the Independence Day.

He also expressed the hope that mutual cooperation between Tehran and Dushanbe would further develop in all fields given their historical, cultural and linguistic commonalities.

President Rouhani also wished health and success for Rahmon and prosperity for the Tajik nation and government.

Tajikistan celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence on September 9.

Most of Tajikistan’s population belongs to the Persian-speaking Tajik ethnic group, who share language, culture and history with Iran and Afghanistan.

After independence, Tajikistan suffered from a devastating civil war which lasted from 1992 to 1997. Since the end of the war, newly established political stability and foreign aid have allowed the country's economy to grow.

Iran was the first nation to establish an embassy in Dushanbe. It was also one of the first countries to extend diplomatic recognition of the newly independent Tajikistan in 1991.

By Tasnim News Agency