Translated with AI
President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon made a press statement following the Tajik-Uzbek high-level talks, thanking President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the invitation and warm welcome.
He noted the symbolism of holding the meetings during the International Navruz holiday and congratulated those present and the people of Uzbekistan on this holiday.
According to Emomali Rahmon, the negotiations in a narrow format and during the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust.
The parties discussed in detail a range of issues related to strategic partnership and allied relations, as well as prospects for their further development. They emphasized the importance of continuing regular political contacts and reaffirmed their commitment to effectively realizing the potential of bilateral cooperation.
During the talks, particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of previously reached agreements in all areas. It was noted that a solid legal framework for cooperation has been established.
Following the talks, a new package of documents was adopted aimed at expanding cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, energy, transport, technology, and the agricultural sector, as well as in the fields of medicine, tourism, and culture.
Trade and economic cooperation remains a key priority. Steady growth in mutual trade was noted: last year, trade turnover increased by approximately 30%. Support was given to accelerate the adoption of a program to increase mutual trade turnover to $2 billion by 2028.
Investment cooperation is actively developing. More than 400 enterprises with Tajik capital operate in Uzbekistan, and over 130 enterprises with Uzbek capital operate in Tajikistan.
The parties expressed their readiness to further expand business participation in joint projects. Significant potential for cooperation in industry, energy, and agriculture was noted.
Particular attention is paid to the development of projects in the mining, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, light industry, food and construction industries, as well as to expanding the activities of the joint investment company.
The leaders confirmed their interest in developing interregional ties and noted positive progress in creating conditions for mutual travel between citizens.
According to Emomali Rahmon, last year approximately 2.8 million Tajik citizens visited Uzbekistan, including for tourism. In turn, more than 1.1 million Uzbek citizens entered Tajikistan as tourists.
An agreement was reached to expand cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics, and the implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The implementation of these tasks will be entrusted to the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
During the talks, the parties reaffirmed their intention to expand cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including cooperation in education, science, healthcare, and tourism. The importance of cooperation in youth policy, sports, and the media was noted.
They emphasized their commitment to creating favorable conditions for the Uzbek diaspora in Tajikistan and the Tajik diaspora in Uzbekistan to preserve their language, culture, traditions, and customs. Joint projects to build schools and universities offering instruction in their native languages are planned.
Separate gratitude was expressed to the Uzbek side for creating conditions for holding the Days of Tajik Culture in Uzbekistan.
The parties also discussed the international and regional agenda, expressing concern about rising tensions in global politics. They reaffirmed their shared approaches to addressing security challenges and threats.
Particular attention is paid to issues of regional security, including coordination of interaction between law enforcement agencies and special services in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and religious radicalism.
The need to strengthen cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other manifestations of organized transnational crime was noted.
The parties also discussed the escalating military and political situation in the region. Emomali Rahmon emphasized Tajikistan's position on the need to resolve all conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means in accordance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
In conclusion, he noted that the decisions taken would contribute to the further strengthening of Tajik-Uzbek cooperation in the spirit of friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual support, and invited Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Tajikistan.
