14 May 2004	Friday	23 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

LAHORE, May 13: Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmonov was given a warm welcome on his arrival in the Punjab capital on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Governor Khalid Maqbool and Punjab Assembly Speaker Muhammad Afzal Sahi received him on his arrival from Islamabad.

Later, City District Nazim Mian Aamer Mahmood called on Mr Rahmonov at the State Guest House and presented the key of Lahore city to him. The governor hosted a dinner for the visiting dignitary at the Governor's House.

President Rahmonov and the governor met informally before the dinner and discussed matters of mutual interest. Rahmonov stressed the need for more cooperation between the two countries in the fields of science and technology, health, education and trade.

On Friday (today), the Tajik president will lay wreath at the Mazar-i-Iqbal besides visiting the adjacent Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. Before heading for home, he will attend a lunch hosted by Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi. -APP