Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan to Join Forces, Launch Regional Persian-Language TV Channel

Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan are planning to convene a summit of Persian-speaking countries later in March. The gathering will mark the launch of a regional Persian-language television channel.

The meeting is scheduled to occur in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif on March 20-21, a date that coincides with Novruz, a festival marking the first day of spring. The holiday is widely celebrated across Central Asia.

Leaders from the three states have stated that they will strive to "strengthen cultural ties and [advance] the Persian language." They will also launch a Persian language television channel "providing an authentic source of information," Iran's PressTV reported March 1.

"The three states also agree to increase reciprocal economic, security, and political ties, and to further discuss the creation of a Persian-speaking union," the report added.