Mirziyoyev and Rahmon Review Outcomes of Joint Council

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a press briefing at the Kuksaroy residence, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon shared their assessments of the first session of the High Interstate Council.

President Mirziyoyev noted Uzbekistan’s appreciation of Tajikistan’s achievements in maintaining sustainable economic growth, attracting investments, controlling inflation, and increasing citizens’ incomes. He emphasized that Tajikistan is a reliable strategic partner and ally, with bilateral relations dynamically developing across political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.

The leaders highlighted the regularity of contacts at the parliamentary, governmental, regional, and intellectual levels. Last year, bilateral trade approached one billion US dollars, with industrial cooperation expanding rapidly — Uzbekistan hosts over 500 joint ventures with Tajik partners.

Transportation links have also grown, with ten weekly flights operating between the capitals. President Mirziyoyev stressed that extensive preparatory work preceded the summit, including intergovernmental commission meetings, regional forums, academic and youth gatherings, think-tank discussions, and Tajik culture and film days.

A broad agenda was discussed during the talks, identifying key directions for further partnership development, with particular focus on deepening economic cooperation. Governments were tasked with measures to increase trade turnover to two billion US dollars under a dedicated program.

Plans include accelerating the creation of the “Oybek – Fotehobod” cross-border trade zone and implementing cooperation projects totaling two billion US dollars across energy, geology, metallurgy, textile, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors. Both sides also agreed to more actively leverage the potential of the joint investment company.

In transport and transit, an agreement was signed to implement an electronic permit system for cargo transportation. Agreements were reached to expand air and rail links and increase border throughput capacity.

Water and energy cooperation was another focus. The leaders confirmed readiness to jointly implement green energy projects, as well as coordinate water distribution, automation, and digital water resource management.

Cultural and humanitarian collaboration continues to play a key role in strengthening ties between peoples. A film on the friendship of Abdurahman Jami and Alisher Navoi was prepared, and a street in New Tashkent was named after Dushanbe. The countries also intend to expand exchanges in education, tourism, and youth policy.

Additionally, a comprehensive program to support Uzbek and Tajik diasporas will be developed, aimed at fostering cultural centers and preserving national traditions and languages.

The leaders concluded that the outcomes of the meeting lay a solid foundation for further strengthening allied relations and will contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of both countries.