Riyadh, Rabi'II 24, 1438, Jan 22, 2017, SPA -- Speaker of Tajik parliament Shukurjan Zahuruv expressed thanks and gratitude of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for taking stances backing his country, at the time of declaring independence, 25 years ago. In a press statement, following with his Saudi counterpart, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, the Speaker of Shura Council, that the Kingdom was among the first Arab countries that recognized the independence of Tajikistan and, promptly, established diplomatic relations, with it. He pointed to the audience held by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, too, as the Monarch received him and the accompanying delegation, earlier in the day, calling it a great honor, adding that he extended thanks of the Tajik people to the king, expressing appreciation of the monarch for backing and assistance to his country, in order to bolster development related aspects, in Tajikistan. -- SPA 19:44 LOCAL TIME 16:44 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w317484