DUSHANBE, 10.02.2023 (NIAT Khovar) – Today in Turkestan, the Speaker of the Assembly of Representatives Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda took part and made speech at the Central Asian First Inter-Parliamentary Forum on the topic “Strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperation of the Central Asian states and the role of parliaments in this process.”

He noted that today, within the framework of consultative meetings at the level of heads of parliaments of the Central Asian countries, a regular and constructive dialogue has been established. The Forum will undoubtedly contribute to the further use of the potential of «parliamentary and people’s diplomacy» of the countries in order to promote the expansion and strengthening of regional interstate ties in all directions.

Zokirzoda also stressed that the threats and dangers such as terrorism, extremism, drug and arms trafficking, cybercrime and other forms of cross-border organized crime tend to grow rapidly.

“The negative processes of growing threats to global security also do not bypass Central Asia. The risk of the influence of radical religious extremist ideology on the stability of the region is still high. Taking into account these factors, our daily task is the comprehensive assistance of parliamentary structures to jointly effectively counter these threats to the security of our states,” he emphasized.

The Speaker of the Assembly of Representatives added that today our joint activities are of increasing importance for the socio-economic development of the Central Asian region. On this basis, our parliaments can comprehensively promote the expansion of trade and economic ties.

Zokirzoda noted that Tajikistan is a supporter of mutually beneficial cooperation with the Central Asian countries for sustainable joint development.