Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has joined as an "honored guest" a gathering of leaders of the five Central Asian countries. The Fifth Consultative Meeting Of the Heads of States of Central Asia opened on September 14 in Dushanbe. The two-day gathering is to focus on regional cooperation, integration, as well as security. On the sidelines of the gathering, Aliyev discussed bilateral ties with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. It's the first time a leader from outside Central Asia is taking part in the forum. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.