DUSHANBE, 22.03.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. On the sidelines of the opening of the launch event of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

President of the country Emomali Rahmon expressed appreciation to Antonio Guterres for his constant support in addressing global water initiatives of Tajikistan and noted with certainty that the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2018 will contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs 6).

The main subject on the meeting’s agenda were the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the reforms in the United Nations peace and security architecture, in the UN’s management system and structures, and in the UN development system, as well as Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 which are implemented as part of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aimed at implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs 6).

The President of the country Emomali Rahmon pointed out that Dushanbe will host the High Level Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028″ on June 20-22 in the framework of the implementation of the UN Water Agenda.

The discussion also touched on current issues regarding effective use of water and energy resources for the benefit of the people of Tajikistan and the region as well as Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highly appreciated the role ofthe President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in addressing issues related to water, and his contribution to promoting Global Water Agenda, as well as in the fight against terrorism.

While supporting opinions of Tajikistan’s President, the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres emphasized the closely-bound interaction between water and energy.

He also noted that the prevention of climate change requires producing electricity from renewable energy sources therefore the resources and potential of Tajikistan deserve attention.

In connection with taking joint measures related to elimination of illicit drug trafficking, fight against terrorism and extremism, Tajikistan within the framework of its National Strategy of combating illicit drug trafficking and in cooperation with the United Nations, the European Union and the OSCE and other development partners will hold a High-Level International Conference on Combating Terrorism and Radicalism in Dushanbe on May 3-4, 2018.

Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan for strengthening coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts with the United Nations institutions.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on issues related to ensuring peace and stability in the neighboring country of Afghanistan as well as Tajikistan’s contribution to the rehabilitation of socio-economic infrastructures of Afghanistan via connecting the two-way transport routes and construction of energy bridge – CASA-1000.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that “I understand your concern with the Afghanistan’s situation and its prospects, the aggravation of the situation in Afghanistan related to the fight against militants, the prevention of terrorism, illegal drug trade and human trafficking.»