Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed the possibility of establishing a common currency to bolster economic development in the West Asia region. The Iranian president made the remarks in a meeting with Tajikistan’s Interior Minister Rakhimzoda Ramazon Hamro on the sidelines of the 4th ECO Interior Ministers Meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cohesion among regional states, especially Islamic nations.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the president said that based on religious and cultural ties, Muslim states can create a framework where communication among nations flows smoothly and obstacles are removed. He highlighted the importance of solidarity, security, and sustainable regional development.

Pezeshkian also noted that the people of Iran and Tajikistan share a common culture, traditions, and customs; thus, it is essential that their bilateral relations continue to expand across all fields. The president underlined security as a foundation for trade and cooperation, adding that strengthening friendly relations and safeguarding borders will allow both sides to effectively combat smugglers and any threats to security.

He called for creating a clear framework to facilitate collaboration among traders, intellectuals, and citizens in cultural, economic, scientific, and medical arenas. Pezeshkian also warned against foreign interference, saying that outsiders attempt to disrupt these positive relations and pit Muslim nations against each other. He underlined, ‘If we are united, we will be strong; otherwise, we will be weak.’

The Tajik interior minister stressed that security is key to expanding economic ties and called for close cooperation in combating terrorism and smuggling. Highlighting cultural and historical bonds between the two nations, he said that the people of his country consider Iran their second home.