Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are developing cooperation

​On October 16, the 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation took place in the capital. A delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan headed by Deputy Prime Minister of the country S. Ziezoda arrived in Ashgabat to participate in it.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that in recent years, relations between the two countries, based on mutual goodwill, have gained a qualitatively new dynamic and content. Mutual visits and meetings at the highest and governmental levels are regular, which contributes to the progressive development of fruitful cooperation across its entire spectrum.

Important events in the history of the traditionally friendly Turkmen-Tajik dialogue were the state and working visits of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in May and September last year, as well as the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Tajikistan in April this year. The agreements reached as a result of the negotiations and the signed documents gave an effective impetus to further building up productive partnership in various fields.

Priority issues of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere were put on the agenda of the meeting of the Joint Commission. In this aspect, it was stated that there is a solid potential for diversifying mutually beneficial ties, increasing trade turnover, intensifying investment activities, and implementing new joint projects. Among the promising areas of bilateral partnership are the energy sector, transport and logistics, agriculture, and the industrial complex.

It was also noted that there are great opportunities for expanding effective contacts through business structures, which is facilitated by regular joint specialized events.

At the same time, the participants of the meeting spoke in favor of developing new forms of promoting economic cooperation on a long-term basis. In the light of modern realities, strengthening cooperation in the scientific and technical sphere, in the field of the introduction of advanced technologies and innovations is also becoming particularly relevant.

Special attention was paid to the development of humanitarian contacts, including in the field of education and science. A striking example of fraternal, good-neighborly interstate relations based on the historically established ties between the two peoples is the construction of a secondary school named after Makhtumkuli in the Daykhan association "Ergesh Sultanov" in the Dusti district of the Khatlon region of the Republic of Tajikistan. As you know, the laying of the foundation of this socially significant facility took place on May 10, 2023, as part of the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to a friendly country. The two heads of state took part in the ceremony via direct video link.

The construction of the complex of buildings of this educational institution was carried out by the forces of Turkmen builders in accordance with the Decree signed by the President of Turkmenistan in December 2022. And on September 1 of this year, a beautiful new school, designed for 540 places, hospitably opened its doors to students. Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Emomali Rahmon took part in the celebrations on the occasion of its opening using the digital system.

Turkmenistan and Tajikistan also cooperate fruitfully in the cultural sphere. This is clearly evidenced by the holding of cross-cultural Days and other creative events. This year, representatives of the friendly state took part in commemorative events held in our country dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the founder of Turkmen classical literature, the great poet and thinker of the East Mahtumkuly Fragi. President Emomali Rahmon visited Ashgabat in order to participate in the International Forum "Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – the basis of Peace and Development", held on October 11, timed to coincide with the significant date. In this regard, it should be noted that thematic events dedicated to the life and work of Mahtumkuly Fragi were also organized in Tajikistan.

At the same time, it was noted that there are good opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of healthcare, as well as in the field of sports.

Having confirmed the parties' focus on building mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual commitment to the practical implementation of the agreements reached, the meeting participants expressed confidence that the Turkmen-Tajik relations, which have been given a strategic character, will continue to develop successfully, being filled with new concrete content.

Following the meeting, the relevant Protocol was signed.

Source: State News Agency