Translated with AI
The upcoming visit of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to Uzbekistan on March 26–27 is intended to give further impetus to the development of Uzbek-Tajik relations, which have demonstrated steady positive dynamics in recent years.
Today, bilateral relations are on the rise and experiencing their best period in history. Tashkent and Dushanbe have successfully resolved accumulated issues, creating a solid foundation for the transition to a qualitatively new stage of interaction. While cooperation was previously largely episodic and dependent on opportunistic factors, it is now taking on a systemic, multi-layered, and strategic nature.
The consistent and far-sighted policies of the two heads of state played a key role in this process. Regular and trusting contacts between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon contributed to the renewal of the entire system of interstate relations and gave it sustainable momentum.
Since 2017, the leaders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have held over 40 meetings, demonstrating their political will to consistently develop cooperation. The logical outcome of this commitment was the signing of the Treaty on Alliance Relations in 2024, which established a long-term strategic dimension to their cooperation. The upcoming talks are expected to consolidate these achievements and outline new partnership guidelines.
The established atmosphere of trust has been institutionalized. Regular consultations between foreign policy agencies, expanded interaction between relevant bodies, and the work of the Intergovernmental Commission are shaping a sustainable architecture for bilateral cooperation. The interparliamentary dimension has also been significantly strengthened: a cooperation group established in 2020 provides support for initiatives and oversees their implementation.
Intensive political dialogue is naturally reflected in the economy, which serves as an indicator of profound changes. Since 2017, trade between the countries has nearly quadrupled, from $237 million to over $900 million by 2025, demonstrating steady growth. At the same time, the structure of trade is also changing: alongside traditional goods, the share of high-value-added products—textiles, construction materials, electrical equipment, and mechanical engineering—is increasing. This indicates a transition to a more diversified model of economic cooperation, aimed at reaching $2 billion in the medium term.
At the same time, the focus is gradually shifting from trade to investment and production cooperation. Since 2017, the number of enterprises with Tajik capital in Uzbekistan has increased more than 13-fold, reaching 343. Uzbek businesses are also actively developing in Tajikistan: approximately 70 companies are currently operating there, reflecting the strengthening of mutual trust between business communities.
As part of this cooperation, the Uzbek-Tajik Interregional Investment Forum was launched in 2021. That same year, a joint venture was established with a charter capital that subsequently more than quadrupled, from $12 million to over $50 million. This created the financial foundation for major projects in industry, energy, agriculture, healthcare, banking, and construction.
The development of modern border infrastructure is essential for further integration. In particular, the creation of a trade and logistics hub at the Fotekhobod-Oybek crossing will improve the efficiency of cross-border trade. At the same time, the Urgut district is developing, creating a comprehensive transport, logistics, and trade infrastructure capable of transforming border areas into hubs of economic activity.
The projects underway include the creation of trade, logistics, and medical centers, as well as the development of a logistics center with a throughput capacity of up to 100 trucks per day. Work is also underway to simplify customs procedures. The construction of the Samarkand-Urgut railway line will be an important step toward reducing transportation costs and increasing connectivity in the region.
No less indicative is the transformation of cooperation in the water and energy sector, traditionally one of the most sensitive in the region. In place of the previous competition, the parties are consistently building a pragmatic model that takes into account mutual interests and are implementing joint projects to modernize irrigation systems and develop hydropower. This approach demonstrates that even the most complex issues can become the basis for sustainable cooperation and development.
The most profound changes are occurring in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Expanding contacts between citizens, increasing mutual travel, and developing cultural and educational exchanges are creating a common humanitarian space in which interstate ties are taking on a new quality.
The liberalization of travel regulations has facilitated increased cooperation in tourism. In June 2022, the Tashkent-Dushanbe passenger train was launched, the Tashkent-Khujand and Kokand-Shaidon bus routes were resumed, and air service has expanded, currently reaching 16 flights per week.
As a result, 2.7 million Tajik citizens visited Uzbekistan in the last year alone, reflecting the high level of mutual trust and openness. Political agreements are increasingly being translated into practical, everyday interactions.
The historical and ethnocultural affinity between the peoples of the two countries lends particular significance to this process. The presence of significant Tajik communities in Uzbekistan and Uzbek communities in Tajikistan makes cooperation a natural extension of established social and cultural ties. Under these circumstances, the humanitarian dimension becomes a key factor in the stability of the allied relations.
In this context, Emomali Rahmon's upcoming visit to Tashkent is intended not only to consolidate the results achieved but also to set new benchmarks for future cooperation. Its results will undoubtedly be reflected in specific projects and initiatives that will further strengthen the bilateral partnership and enhance the region's resilience.
Shakhlo Hamrakhodzhaeva, Leading Researcher Institute of Strategic and Interregional Research under the President Republic of Uzbekistan
