President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon sent a congratulatory telegram to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, which reads, in particular:

"Your Excellency,

I am sincerely glad to send you and the friendly people of Afghanistan heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the landmark national holiday - the 95th anniversary of State Independence of Afghanistan.

Our peoples and countries have deep historical roots, rich experience of good neighborliness and mutual support.

We are pleased with the great successes achieved in recent years in the development and strengthening of relations and cooperation in trade and economic sectors, in the areas of education, science, security and military cooperation, in general, the strengthening of friendly relations between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The Republic of Tajikistan is a supporter of the expansion and development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two brotherly countries and will make all necessary efforts in order to give a new impetus to this process.

Availing this opportunity I would like to express my confidence that the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, thanks to the wisdom and the consistent efforts of its leadership will succeed in this fateful period in order to overcome the current ordeal by solidarity, tranquility and unity.

On this auspicious day, I wish Your Excellency good health and happiness and the friendly people of Afghanistan - peace, national unity, prosperity and all-round progress".