Kuksaroy Presidential Palace hosted talks between President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The official welcoming ceremony and introduction of the members of the two nations’ delegations was held before the start of the talks.

President Rahmon and his counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a one-on-one discussion. Later the talks continued in an expanded format. The discussion focused on strengthening ties in key areas of bilateral agenda, as well as major international and regional issues.

During the meeting, President Rahmon noted that today’s meeting will give a serious impetus to the process of sustainable development of a set of good neighborly relations between the two countries.

He stressed that the Tajik side appreciates the current level of cooperation with Uzbekistan in all areas and intends to continue to put the necessary effort to further develop the strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in all its areas.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the content of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30th years ago.

Discussing further development of bilateral ties within high-level interstate political dialogue they also touched upon topical aspects of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

President Rahmon noted that by creating a positive basis for trade and economic cooperation, this year the trade turnover between the two countries has amounted to more than $600 million, which has increased 40 times over the past six years.

According to the previously reached agreements, the parties agreed to increase the trade turnover to $1 billion in the coming years.

During the meeting, attention was paid to the organization of a meeting of the Uzbek-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and a business forum of Tajik companies in Uzbekistan, which were called as vital in expanding trade ties.

The strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of transport, water and energy resources, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties was another item of the meeting agenda.

They noted that through joint effort, cargo of goods and the movement of people has been ensured. At present, up to 20,000 residents of the two countries cross the border on a daily basis for the purpose of trade and tourism and to see relatives and friends. This is one of the successes of both governments in recent years.

The historic significance of the Declaration on Strengthening Eternal Friendship and Solidarity Between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan was reiterated at the meeting.

Particular attention was paid to  the use of existing opportunities in energy and industry, including textile, food, footwear, metallurgy, mining, non-ferrous metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, transport, communications, investment, and banking.

The counterparts also spoke in favor of continuing ties in cultural and humanitarian spheres.

Further cooperation within the UN, CIS, SCO, and other organizations was also addressed.

The activity of Uzbekistan as the current chairman of the SCO was praised. The officials also exchanged views on latest developments in Afghanistan.