DUSHANBE, 17.07.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. On July 16, a working meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzoda and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov was held in Ferghana. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The delegations of the parties included heads of ministries and departments, leading economic structures.

The Prime Ministers discussed topical issues of bilateral relations, first of all, preparations for the forthcoming Tajik-Uzbek top level summit.

The issues of implementation of agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Republic of Tajikistan and his talks with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in March this year were also discussed.

It was noted the high effectiveness of the ongoing contacts at various levels in all areas of bilateral interaction.

It was also noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of growth in mutual trade, which grew by more than 35% in the first half of 2018 compared to the previous year.

It was pointed out that the economies of the two countries are complementary and have a competitive advantage due to geographical proximity and low transport costs.

In order to enhance cooperation in the trade, economic and investment spheres, the parties agreed to hold a regular meeting of the Business Council and create favorable conditions for the business circles of the two countries on the territory of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek side welcomed the holding of the national industrial exhibition “Made in Tajikistan” and the joint Tajik-Uzbek business forum in Tashkent on the eve of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to Uzbekistan.

Both Prime Ministers, noting the importance of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian area, agreed on joint actions to conduct activities aimed at strengthening fraternal ties between the Tajik and Uzbek peoples.

The two parties reaffirmed their firm commitment to deepen bilateral ties in all areas and readiness to take the necessary measures to make them more effective and fruitful.

The Prime Ministers expressed their confidence that the forthcoming Tajik-Uzbek summit will raise the interstate relations to a new level and open new prospects for the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and peoples.