DUSHANBE, 05.11.2019 (NIAT Khovar) – Federal Palace has hosted talks between President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer. An official welcoming ceremony and introduction of members of the two nations’ delegations was held before the talks.

The two heads of state discussed the current status and prospects of Tajik – Swiss bilateral cooperation.  The talks took place in an atmosphere of cordial friendship, sincerity, and mutual understanding.

“We are connected with Tajikistan because we are both mountainous countries and we are on the border with transboundary waters. We are ready to work together with you on other projects and initiatives in the interests of the people,” said President of Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer.

«I congratulate you, Mr. President, for the successful policy and the implementation of reforms in various fields during the independence of your country,» said President Maurer.

In turn, President Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to the Swiss side for the warm welcome.

It was noted that the regular high-level political dialogue is an important factor in promoting effective cooperation between the parties in all areas of mutual interest. Active use of inter-parliamentary ties and establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Group for cooperation between Tajikistan and National Council of Switzerland and strengthening the legal base of interstate relations are among other important measures for the development and expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Boosting of economic and trade, investment and tourism were also noted during the meeting. To achieve the goal set by the government, including the development and expansion of cooperation in the fundamental economic sectors of Tajikistan like hydropower, mining, food and light industries, processing of agricultural products, transportation and communications as well as the development of tourism infrastructure was mentioned as vital. Tajikistan and Switzerland already have good experience in establishing mutually beneficial business cooperation.

The trade turnover for the first nine months of this year rose to $132 million. The total turnover between the Tajik company TALCO and Glencore International AG amounted to $4.7 billion during their 12 years of cooperation.

The Presidents called for a stepping up of the activity of the Tajik — Swiss Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and reaffirm the commitment to further development of the mutually beneficial cooperation, including within the framework of the Bretton Woods institutions (International Monetary Fund and World Bank), the Swiss Economic Cooperation and Development (SECO).

The Leaders identified cooperation in extraction and processing of minerals, science & innovative technology, culture and tourism as promising areas for further cooperation and underlined the importance of implementation of many investment projects in Tajikistan for enhancement of economic engagements.

They also have established cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other.  Both countries have been supporting each other’s constructive initiatives, including the fourth initiative of Tajikistan,- the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028,” the launching of the Swiss initiative Blue Peace Central Asia and the cooperation of both parties under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

During the discussion the counterparts also focused on cooperation in the fight against terrorism, radicalism, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime.

President Rahmon extended his invitation to visit Tajikistan to President Maurer, which was accepted with appreciation. Following the talks the following new cooperation documents were signed in the presence of both state leaders:

— MoU on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Federal Council of Switzerland in the field of Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and sustainable planning in the Republic of Tajikistan;

— MoU on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Federal Council of Switzerland in the field of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Republic of Tajikistan.