DUSHANBE, 30.09.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday, political consultations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took place in Dushanbe. The delegations of both countries were headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov.

The ministers discussed the current state of bilateral political interaction and a range of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian issues.

They conducted a “synchronization of clocks” on cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations, and exchanged views on regional security issues.

Muhriddin noted that modern Tajik-Uzbek relations are distinguished by high trust, sincere friendship and mutual assistance. He emphasized that Tajikistan values the established close ties with Uzbekistan.

“It is possible to achieve and maintain a high level of bilateral cooperation, first of all, due to the fraternal and mutually respectful relations that have developed between the heads of our states Emomali Rahmon and Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev,” Muhriddin said.

The parties also expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation of the foreign ministries during the coronavirus pandemic.

It was noted that diplomats showed an example of mutual assistance in solving the problems of citizens who are stuck in other countries due to the closure of borders.

The ministers discussed the results of the 7th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which took place this morning.

Muhriddin noted that today’s visit of the Uzbek governmental delegation headed by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov is the main point in the chain of Tajik-Uzbek events in September 2020 aimed at activating, further developing and strengthening fraternal relations.

“Over the past two weeks, our countries have managed to organize and conduct events of the widest profile at a high content level. A representative delegation of the Uzbek Parliament paid a visit to Tajikistan. The results of the scientific and practical conference and the meeting of representatives of the creative intelligentsia of the two countries were highly appreciated. A representative delegation of ministries and departments and representatives of the business community of Uzbekistan visited Tajikistan.

A couple of days ago, a general educational institution was put into operation in the Spitamen district, kindly built by our Uzbek friends. The Tajik-Uzbek business forum was also held, and a joint venture Artel Avesta Electronics was opened,” Muhriddin added.

Muhriddin stated that over the past three years, Uzbekistan has firmly established itself among the five main foreign economic partners of Tajikistan. “The volume of mutual trade between our countries has grown from $12 million in 2015 to $362 million in 2019. This is more than 30 times over. Our leaders have set a priority task for us to bring the trade turnover to $500 million, and in the future to reach the level of $1,000,000,000,” Muhriddin said.

The ministers also discussed issues relating to interaction at the platforms of international organizations, primarily in the UN, CIS, SCO and OSCE.
Muhriddin noted that Tajikistan supports the priorities of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the CIS in 2020.

The parties paid attention to the discussion of security in the region, which is inextricably linked with the situation in Afghanistan.

Muhriddin highly appreciated the efforts of Uzbekistan, being undertaken within the framework of the Tashkent platform in Afghanistan.

Kamilov noted that the all-round development of Tajik-Uzbek relations is a priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.

He congratulated Muhriddin with the Day of Diplomatic Service Workers, annually celebrated on September 29.

The ministers expressed their readiness to jointly ensure a high level of bilateral relations.