DUSHANBE, 04.06.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – A joint scientific and practical conference on expanding and strengthening cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was held yesterday per initiative of the Center for Strategic Research and the International Institute of Central Asia.

The conference, which was held on the eve of the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tajikistan, was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and departments, research centers, scientists, experts, domestic and foreign journalists.

According to the Information Support Department of the Center for Strategic Research Zubaidullo Davlatov, Tajik-Uzbek relations occupy a special place among regional relations, since they are historical and traditional, the two peoples are close to each other in terms of customs, traditions and religion.

“It should be noted that cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the spheres of economy, culture, industry, agriculture, science, education and healthcare is mutually beneficial. When it comes to relations between two friendly and fraternal peoples, we always cite the friendship between Abdurahmoni Jomi and Alisher Navoi as an example. In the era of globalization, two other figures of politics, history, culture of both peoples are the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In the period of independence of both countries, they laid the foundation for a new fraternal policy of the two countries, and today we are a witness to its results,” Davlatov added.

According to him, in 2020 the trade turnover between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan amounted to more than $ 500 million, both states intend to bring the trade turnover to over $ 1 billion in the coming years.

Leading specialist of the Department for Analysis and Forecasting of Foreign Policy of the Center for Strategic Research Zilola Ikromova noted that since 2018 relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are at a very high level.

“This testifies to the good and fraternal relations between the heads of the two states. It is safe to say that holding such conferences plays a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and we hope that cooperation between the two states will continue to develop in all areas,” she added.