18.04.2024

The Presidents of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, made statements to the media representatives following the high-level negotiations.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed his sincere gratitude to the President and people of Tajikistan for their traditionally warm and hospitable reception.

The parties highly appreciated the outcomes of the high-level meetings held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere.

“I would like to reiterate that Tajikistan is Uzbekistan’s closest, most reliable and time-tested strategic partner. The fraternal Uzbek and Tajik peoples are inextricably linked by strong bonds of centuries-old friendship. We are united by our common history, cultural and spiritual values, traditions and customs,” stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It was emphasized that the truly historic outcome of the current visit was the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations, which fully meets the fundamental interests of the two brotherly peoples.

With this step we have confirmed our firm mutual commitment to the irreversible course of deepening the multidimensional Uzbek-Tajik strategic partnership and alliance. This important document, without exaggeration, marks a new historical milestone in bilateral relations.

The priority direction of cooperation has been determined as the expansion of trade and industrial cooperation.

The sustainable growth of trade turnover, which has increased tenfold in recent years, was noted with great satisfaction. The governments of the two countries have set the task of increasing the trade turnover to US$2 billion, including through active import substitution from third countries.

The achievement of this goal will be facilitated by the substantial portfolio of contracts and agreements signed during the preceding business forum.

The importance of accelerating the establishment of the Oybek-Fotekhobod Free Trade and Economic Zone and the Andarkhan Trade and Logistics Center was also highlighted.

The high-level meetings identified new growth points in industrial cooperation, particularly in sectors where the two countries have traditionally been complementary.

These include joint projects in mechanical engineering, energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agro-industry and other priority sectors.

The potential of the Uzbek-Tajik Investment Company will be effectively utilized to support such significant projects.

Priority will be given to cooperation in the water and energy sector. The readiness to continue constructive interaction in the field of joint use of transboundary water resources has been confirmed.

Another strategic direction of interaction is the creation of favorable conditions for enhancing the transport and transit potential of both countries.

Joint measures will be taken to increase the volume of passenger and cargo transport and to create modern border and customs infrastructure.

The need to actively use the potential of interregional cooperation was emphasized.

The issues of deepening cultural and humanitarian exchanges through regular exhibitions, theatre tours, youth and educational forums, implementation of sports programs and expansion of tourism services occupied an important place in the negotiations.

The parties expressed confidence that the current historic visit, its fruitful results, and the important documents signed will contribute to the accelerated development of the two countries and ensure the common well-being of the fraternal peoples of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.