DUSHANBE, 19.09.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the plenary meeting of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon pointed out that the UN Secretary General’s visit to Tajikistan in June 2017 provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Tajikistan and specialized agencies of the United Nations, in fact, a bilateral exchange of views has contributed to bringing the priority areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations.

The contribution of the UN to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations was commended as effective, and, in this context, it was stressed that Tajikistan would continue its extensive cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highly appreciated Tajikistan’s active role, in particular, in implementation of the UN Water Agenda and rational use of water resources.

Both sides expressed confidence that the United Nations would participate in the implementation of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy for the period until 2030.

The two sides have expressed keen interest in implementing water initiative of Tajikistan in addressing International Decade for Action, «Water for Sustainable Development», 2018-2028, ensuring energy security, development of hydroelectric power, supporting Sustainable Energy for All, implementing the CASA-1000 project and protecting water resources, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions.

The sides also exchanged views on establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan and combating terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.