On March 26, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks in a narrow format at the Kuksaroy residence, followed by the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.
The President of Uzbekistan specifically noted that the current state visit of the President of Tajikistan marks a landmark event and represents another important step in strengthening the centuries-old bonds of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect between the two countries.
“Today, we are opening the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format will undoubtedly elevate bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level and enrich Uzbek–Tajik strategic partnership and alliance with concrete substance and breakthrough initiatives,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Active and close contacts at the levels of governments, parliaments, and agencies were noted with satisfaction.
In preparation for the visit, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, an industrial exhibition, and forums of regional leaders, rectors, scientists, youth, and think tanks were successfully held. Uzbekistan is also hosting the Days of Tajik Culture and Cinema.
During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail new areas of cooperation, analyzed the use of potential opportunities, and made a number of important decisions designed to give a significant impetus to strengthening mutually beneficial Uzbek-Tajik cooperation.
Special attention was paid to measures to increase the volume of mutual trade, stimulate the growth of industrial cooperation, enhance transport connectivity, and strengthen water and energy security.
Last year, bilateral trade approached $1 billion, driven primarily by the exchange of finished goods.
Numerous joint projects are being successfully implemented across key sectors, including industry, construction, agriculture, textiles, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and others.
Currently, the capitals of the two countries are connected by ten regular flights, as well as bus and rail services, while freight traffic continues to grow steadily.
The parties also considered opportunities to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2030.
This will be facilitated by agreements to accelerate the establishment of the Oybek–Fotekhobod border trade center, the introduction of digital systems for goods certification and the exchange of "E-Permit" authorizations, and the modernization of border crossing points.
In addition, a dedicated Industrial Cooperation program is being adopted, which includes projects in the mining, energy, agricultural, electrical, light, construction, and other sectors.
The importance of expanding the capital base of the joint Investment Company to support promising projects was noted. Today, new joint projects in the territories of both countries will also be launched.
Prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, water management, transport, and many other spheres were substantively reviewed and outlined.
The leaders agreed to give additional impetus to interregional ties and to encourage humanitarian, educational, and scientific exchanges.
Given the presence of large diaspora communities, a proposal was put forward to adopt a five-year program of events aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties.
The heads of state also exchanged views on key regional and international issues.
The importance of continuing close dialogue and mutual support within multilateral structures and regional formats in Central Asia was noted. An agreement was reached to intensify cooperation in the security sphere.
At the meeting, reports were heard from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Prime Ministers of the two countries, on key areas of cooperation.
Following the meeting, it was decided to adopt a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the full implementation of the agreements reached.
