DUSHANBE, 30.03.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Today, while delivering his speech at the Heart of Asia — the Istanbul Process Ninth Ministerial Conference, President Emomali Rahmon reminded those present about the peace process in Tajikistan in 1990s.

“The wealth and blessings of independence have come at a high price. The process of national reconciliation in our country lasted five years,” he said.

“I am not referring to the moral and financial damage that was caused to my dear people. I just want to emphasize that in those difficult days, the leaders of the Afghan people, together with other friendly countries, supported the Tajik peace process and provided us with sincere and fraternal assistance,” he added.

Indeed, during the civil war which lasted five years, Afghanistan, despite the fact that hostilities were also taking place there, accepted and sheltered tens of thousands of Tajik refugees.

“We will never forget this,” Emomali Rahmon reiterated and noted Tajikistan’s readiness to share with the brotherly Afghan people the rich experience accumulated by the country on the way to reconciliation, peace and further development.

“The end of all wars lies in reconciliation,” he said.

“Let us help the glorious people of Afghanistan to facilitate and accelerate the process of strengthening mutual understanding, peace and development,” Emomali Rahmon called on countries participating and donor countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

He also expressed hope that the results of today’s meeting will further strengthen international cooperation within the framework of the Heart of Asia — Istanbul Process conference on restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.