DUSHANBE, 11.06.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received today the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres at the Palace of the Nation.

President Emomali Rahmon particularly welcomed the opportunity afforded to constructive exchange of views with Antonio Guterres, who for the first time visited Tajikistan as the UN Secretary General, and pointed out that the cooperation with the United Nations is important for strengthening of Tajikistan’s statehood, promotion of national economic reforms and ensuring sustainable development.

It was stressed that Tajikistan has established fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies since its membership, and in this context created conditions for the direct activities of twenty-three UN funds, programs and specialized agencies in Tajikistan.

An exchange of views took place on the issues of joint contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030.

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon underlined the significance of cooperation with the United Nations in reliable and efficient use of energy capacities, transportation and communication means, and huge agricultural potential.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highly appreciated the role of Tajikistan and its leader Emomali Rahmon in addressing issues related to water in the region and the world, as well as great international initiatives covering water and ecological issues. He also stressed the importance and timeliness of international initiatives of Tajikistan on water issues.

The head of state Emomali Rahmon noted that Tajikistan actively participates in the implementation of the UN Agenda on water issues and henceforth as an initiator of international initiatives on water issues would make a significant contribution to the implementation of this agenda.

It was expressed confidence that the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development’ 2018-2028 the implementation of which will start on World Water Day 22 March 2018 will be a confident step in the implementation of the sustainable development goal related to water resources in the region and the world.

Tajikistan’s support of global initiatives on Sustainable Energy for All and Green Energy was once again stressed, and using Tajikistan’s hydropower potential for the region that is unique in terms of generating clean energy was assessed important.

The two sides have expressed keen interest in continuation of constructive cooperation on ensuring regional and international peace and stability, combating terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, and active participation in stabilizing the complex political and military situation in Afghanistan.

Concluding their talks, the sides also exchanged useful comments and views on the agenda of the high-level event titled “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Development Achievement in the Face of Modern Threats and Challenges» to be held in Dushanbe.

Other issues of mutual interest were also touched upon during the meeting.