DUSHANBE, 10.01.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met at the government residence with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, who is in Tajikistan on a working visit.

During the substantive and productive talks the parties have expressed their willingness that the results of the meetings of the Tajik – Uzbek Intergovernmental Commissions on Trade and Economic Cooperation and Inter-State Border issues being held in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, are an important factor in strengthening friendly relations between the two neighboring countries.

It was stressed that the Tajik side attaches paramount importance to development and expansion of interstate relations with Uzbekistan. In this context, the two friendly and fraternal states shall make more efforts to reach a high level of relations in the coming years.

In a friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of mutual understanding, the two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral Tajik – Uzbek cooperation, in particular the issues related to removing obstacles in the way of bilateral trade, simplifying travel regime for nationals of both countries, reducing tariffs for movement of goods, the restoration of railways, clearing landmines on Tajik-Uzbek border, reopening border crossing points (BCPs), and other issues related to inter-state border.

The head of state Emomali Rahmon underlined his willingness to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation with Uzbekistan on the rational use of water and energy resources, and added that “Tajikistan has never tried to create problems for the countries of the region on this issue, on the contrary, advocated for integrating the world and regional community in addressing water and environmental problems”.

The holding of Tajik – Uzbek Culture Days, the creation of an exhibition of products of industrial enterprises and the Tajik – Uzbek Business Forum in both countries, as well as the establishment of air transportation between Dushanbe and Tashkent were assessed the most important steps of the heads of two friendly and fraternal countries and close neighbors over the past year, which played an important role in boosting their economic, trade, cultural and humanitarian relationships.

The meeting also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in addressing combating undesirable threats in the region and the world, including terrorism, extremism and other transnational crimes.

Both sides expressed their sincere hope that the friendly relationship between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan would be further developed in all areas of interest.