photo: ISNA

In a joint statement signed by the two presidents, they also called for restoration of peace and security and establishment of democratic governments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The statement also attached importance to the joint efforts being made by the UN and other international organizations to restore peace, stability and security to the region and across the world as well.

Rakhmonov and Khatami, in the statement, voiced their deep concern about the consequences of terrorism and drug trafficking and declared their countries' readiness to fight the menace effectively.

Implementing the tripartite agreement among Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan would lead to boosting cooperation among the countries and improving the economies of the regional countries, said the statement.

On the final leg of his Central Asian tour, President Khatami and his entourage arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on a three-day official visit Saturday evening.

Khatami is to hold separate talks with the Tajik president, prime minister and head of the Supreme Assembly on Monday.

Seven cooperation documents were signed by Tajikistan and Iran during the Iranian delegation's visit to the country.

President Khatami delivered a speech to a group of Iranian nationals residing in Dushanbe.

He also addressed a gathering of Tajik men of pen, scholars and intellectual persons.

President Khatami's visit to Tajikistan is taking place at the official invitation of his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmonov.

Meanwhile, the president is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Economic Cooperation Organization's (ECO) member states summit to be held in Dushanbe on September 14.

The Republic of Tajikistan (formerly the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic) is situated in the south-east of Central Asia.