United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highly appreciated Tajikistan’s leading role in addressing important global issues, particularly in promoting the international agenda on water and glaciers. He expressed this view during a meeting with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon, held on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek, NIAT “Khovar” reports.

The UN Secretary-General emphasized that it is always a great pleasure for him to meet with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and to express his appreciation for Tajikistan’s leading role in addressing some of the most important global issues of the modern world.

“It is thanks to Tajikistan that the issue of water has become one of the central topics of international discussions. It is also Tajikistan that plays a leading role in promoting the international agenda on glaciers,” António Guterres said.

The UN Secretary-General also highly appreciated Tajikistan’s contribution to advancing important international issues and expressed confidence that the country’s initiatives will provide a favorable basis for continuing joint efforts to reform the United Nations.

“We always support your initiatives. At the same time, with regard to Tajikistan, we are always ready to do whatever we can to support the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in its development,” he said.

António Guterres also recalled his previous visits to Tajikistan and sincerely praised the hospitality of the Tajik people and the country’s constructive atmosphere.

“During my tenure as High Commissioner and Secretary-General, I have experienced some of the best moments of my career while visiting your country. Your hospitality is truly unparalleled. You not only have a special personal hospitality, but you also have a wonderful country with wonderful people and great creative potential,” the UN Secretary-General said.

He emphasized that he would never forget his positive experiences and impressions of Tajikistan.

“I hope that in the future, in whatever capacity I may serve, even if only as an ordinary citizen of the world, I will have the opportunity to visit Tajikistan and once again experience firsthand the very important role that Tajikistan plays in international affairs today,” António Guterres said.

The statement by the UN Secretary-General once again highlights Tajikistan’s active and proactive role in addressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of water resources protection, glacier preservation and climate change adaptation.