DUSHANBE, 21.09.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – Saudi Arabia pays special attention to its relations with Tajikistan. This was stated today by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Tajikistan Waleed bin Abdulrahman Al Reshaidan at a briefing dedicated to Saudi National Day.

The Ambassador noted that Saudi Arabia was one of the first to recognize Tajikistan’s independence. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in February 1992.

He emphasized that this year the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of relations, which every year receive a new impetus, develop and strengthen due to the strong political will of the heads of the two states.

Regarding the development of relations, Al Reshaidan stressed that on the basis of the wise policy of the heads of the two states, there is a steady expansion of bilateral relations.

“Several agreements and memorandums have been signed, and issues of signing other documents that promote mutual interests and achieve prosperity of the two countries are also being considered,” he added.

He also mentioned the activities and cooperation of the Saudi Fund for Development and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre with the relevant state bodies of Tajikistan and noted that these institutions are implementing various projects in several areas.

In particular, he noted that the Saudi Fund for Development has been operating in Tajikistan since 2003, and has now allocated a concessional loan in the amount of $174 million (over 1.9 billion somoni) for the implementation of several projects in the field of health, education, transport, and irrigation systems in Khatlon region.

“The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has funded 22 projects in Tajikistan since 2015 with a total value of more than $13.9 million or 141.5 million somoni,” the Ambassador stated.

Al Reshaidan also noted that in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the center provided Tajikistan with medical assistance, such as masks, gloves, medical clothing totaling $500,000.

Saudi National Day is celebrated annually on September 23.