Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said on 12 September in Dushanbe that it is Iran\'s \"national duty\" to strengthen ties with Tajikistan. Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov announced the same day that Iran has agreed to provide $250 million for the construction of Tajikistan\'s Sangtuda hydropower plant. Overall, Rakhmonov said that Iran will cover 51 percent of the plant\'s more than $500 million cost, with Russia providing $100 million and Tajikistan $120 million. Iran is also providing a $25 million credit and a $10 million grant to complete the 5-kilometer Anzob tunnel in Tajikistan by 2006. Iran plans to invest $700 million in the development of the Tajik economy over the next five years. (Avesta)