Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Presidents of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon made statements for media representatives following the results of high-level negotiations.
The President of Uzbekistan sincerely thanked the President and the people of Tajikistan for the traditionally warm and hospitable welcome.
The parties highly appreciated the results of the summit meetings, which were held in a friendly and trusting atmosphere.
– Let me emphasize again that for Uzbekistan, Tajikistan is the closest, most reliable and time-tested strategic partner. The fraternal Uzbek and Tajik peoples are inextricably linked by strong bonds of centuries-old friendship. We are brought together by common history, cultural and spiritual values, traditions and customs,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
It was emphasized that the truly historic result of the current visit was the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations, which fully meets the fundamental interests of the two fraternal peoples.
– With this step, we confirmed our strong mutual commitment to an irreversible course towards deepening the multifaceted Uzbek-Tajik strategic partnership and alliance. Without any exaggeration, this important document will mark a new historical milestone in bilateral relations.
The priority area of cooperation is increasing trade and industrial cooperation.
The steady growth of trade turnover, which has grown tenfold in recent years, was noted with great satisfaction.
The governments of the countries have been tasked with bringing trade turnover to $2 billion, including through active substitution of imports from third countries.
The achievement of this goal will be facilitated by the solid portfolio of contracts and agreements signed during the business forum held the day before.
The importance of accelerating the creation of the Oybek-Fotekhobod free trade and border zone and the Andarkhan trade and logistics center was also noted.
During the summit meetings, new points of growth in industrial cooperation were identified, primarily in sectors where the two countries traditionally complement each other.
We are talking about joint projects in mechanical engineering, energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, mining, textile, pharmaceutical, agro-industrial and other priority sectors.
To support such significant projects, the potential of the Uzbek-Tajik Investment Company will be effectively used.
Priority attention is paid to cooperation in the water and energy sector. The readiness to continue constructive interaction in the field of joint use of transboundary water resources was confirmed.
Another strategic area of interaction is the creation of favorable conditions for increasing the transport and transit potential of the two countries.
Joint measures will be taken to increase the volume of passenger and freight traffic and create a modern border and customs infrastructure.
The need to actively use the potential of interregional cooperation was emphasized.
An important place in the negotiations was occupied by the issues of deepening cultural and humanitarian exchange through regular exhibitions, theater tours, youth and educational forums, the implementation of sports programs, and the expansion of tourism services.
The parties expressed confidence that the current historical visit, its fruitful results and signed important documents will serve the rapid development of the two countries and ensure the general well-being of the fraternal peoples of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.