On March 26, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks in a narrow format in Tashkent, followed by the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that the 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 Mirziyoyev.
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 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.
The leaders also agreed to give additional impetus to interregional ties and to encourage humanitarian, educational, and scientific exchanges.
Photo: president.uz
