DUSHANBE, 31.01.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – On January 28, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Turkey, Tajik Ambassador in Ankara Ashrafjon Gulov gave an interview to the Turkish State News Agency Anadolu.

Recalling the diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Turkey established on January 29, 1992, Ambassador said that over time, relations and cooperation with Turkey have become one of the priorities of Tajikistan’s foreign policy.

Gulov noted that to date, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon visited Turkey 8 times, and the Turkish side has visited Tajikistan 5 times. In addition to these visits, mutual visits were held between various ministries, and 70 agreements were signed in various fields.

Regarding economic relations between Tajikistan and Turkey, Gulov noted that the volume of our bilateral trade turnover in 2021 reached $390.5 million. This number is much higher than in 2020.

“Tajikistan and Turkey have come a long way in recent years in strengthening cooperation on trade and economics, investment, banking, agriculture, energy, industry, construction and architecture, transport, civil aviation, communications, tourism, environmental protection, healthcare, education and science, culture, labor, social protection, sports and youth policy,” he noted.

Ambassador, recalling the visit of the Chairman of the Assembly of Representatives of Tajikistan in 2021, noted that bilateral relations will develop in 2022, high-level visits between the two countries will increase.

“We attach great importance to bilateral relations. Inter-parliamentary cooperation occupies a special place in the political ties between the two countries. The activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group will have a great contribution to the development and strengthening of relations,” saidGulov.

According to him, currently, over 600 Tajik students are studying in Turkey.

Tajik Ambassador noted that both countries have common historical and cultural values and are a favorable basis for the development of international and interstate relations.

With an explanation that Mavlana is a common historical value of the two states, he noted that this year we want to organize the “Tajik Culture Day” program with Tajik artisans in Turkey.”

Gulov informed about the study of Tajik students in Turkey and said that cooperation between the two countries in all matters is at a very high level.

“Our Tajik students study at various universities in Turkey. Negotiations between the Ministries of Education of the two countries are ongoing. More than 600 Tajik students are currently studying in Turkey. Tajik students have been studying at Turkish universities since 1996. The contribution of Turkish universities to the professional education of Tajik students is considered very important,” he added.

Ambassador noted that cooperation in the field of tourism is one of the priorities of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Ankara, and in this regard, he said that Turkey is moving forward in the field of tourism and has good experience.

“We are planning to organize a tourism forum of Turkey and Tajikistan in February this year. Thanks to the “open door” policy of the government of Tajikistan, visa-free entry for Turkish citizens began on January 1, 2022. This will undoubtedly play an active role in increasing the tourist attractiveness of the country,” mentioned Gulov.

Ambassador, inviting Turkish citizens to Tajikistan, noted that the parties intend to increase the number of trips between the two countries with a visa-free regime.