Following the talks, the Leaders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan held a briefing for the local and foreign media.
Having sincerely welcomed President Emomali Rahmon and members of the Tajik delegation to the hospitable Uzbek land, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has noted that Tajikistan is a close neighbor, a true friend and a reliable strategic partner that has been tested for centuries.
«The Uzbek people sincerely cherish the relations of friendship and good-neighborliness with the fraternal Tajik people, which are based on a common history, spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as good traditions of ancestors. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder, supported each other, both in bright days and in times of trial», the President of Uzbekistan said.
He has emphasized that thanks to joint efforts in bilateral relations, it was possible to achieve truly breakthrough results and to raise them to the highest level.
«It is thanks to this that a truly fateful decision has been taken today. We have signed a historic Declaration on Strengthening Eternal Friendship and Alliance», said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
«The personal contribution of the President of Uzbekistan to the development of good-neighborly Tajik-Uzbek relations is highly appreciated in Tajikistan. In October this year, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It is significant that in the anniversary year for us we have made a decision of historical significance – to raise the level of our relations to an alliance», said Emomali Rahmon.
It was noted with satisfaction that in recent years the volume of bilateral trade has increased almost 40 times, and since the beginning of this year – by 35%.
On the eve of the visit, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held in Dushanbe, and a Business Forum was held in Tashkent. As an outcomes of these events a solid package of documents and contracts for more than $1 billion was signed, and a roadmap for industrial cooperation was approved.
A passenger train on the route Tashkent-Dushanbe will be launched from June 20 this year.
The parties agreed to form new transit corridors and create a modern logistics infrastructure, increase a number of air, rail and bus transportation, jointly create agricultural clusters and modern production facilities, establish the processing of horticultural products and jointly enter the markets of third countries.
The unique opportunities for fruitful cooperation in the energy and water management were emphasized. In this regard, the initiative of the President of Tajikistan to establish an International Fund for the Preservation of Glaciers and to announce 2025 as the International Year for the Protection of Glaciers was supported.
During the talks, a special attention was paid to the further expansion of inter-parliamentary dialogue and public diplomacy, the development of interregional ties, the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
«Our numerous national communities have been a bonding factor, making a worthy contribution to the mutual enrichment and rapprochement of the fraternal peoples, as well as to the development of the two countries. We have confirmed our readiness to continue to create all the prerequisites for the successful operation of national cultural centers», the President of Uzbekistan has emphasized.
In addition, the Uzbek side intends to increase the number of educational grants allocated annually to Tajik citizens.
The regular holding of reciprocal Film, Culture and Festival Days will be continued.
As it is well-known, this year we will start shooting a joint film about the great friendship of two profound poets and thinkers – Alisher Navoi and Abdurrakhmon Jami.
I think that its display will be a welcome event as a part of the wide celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the talks, the Leaders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan also exchanged views on regional security and stability, and noted a special importance of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of States of Central Asia. They have also noted the need to continue constructive dialogue and mutual support within international organizations and structures.
In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan has expressed his firm conviction that «the outcomes of the historic visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will certainly serve to further strengthen the centuries-old ties of friendship, mutual understanding and good-neighborliness of our peoples».
