Dushanbe’s Qasri Millat Residence hosted the official welcoming ceremony of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the distinguished guest. The national anthems of the two countries were played.

The Presidents introduced the members of the official delegations to each other. The guard of honor marched in front of the Leaders of the two countries.

Following the ceremony, a tete-a-tete meeting between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon took place. The Heads of state examined in detail the entire spectrum of strategic partnership and multifaceted interaction, paying the main attention to further deepening constructive political dialogue, building up trade, economic and investment cooperation, enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Views were exchanged on ensuring security, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia, as well as interaction within the framework of international and regional structures.

The President of Uzbekistan, expressing gratitude for the invitation and a warm welcome, noted that bilateral collaboration has reached an unprecedented high level.

“All the decisions we made are being implemented. A lot has changed in bilateral relations. The numbers speak for themselves. If in 2017 the trade turnover was $70 million, then in 2020 this figure reached $500 million. We prepared very seriously for this visit. The Forum of Regions was successfully held. Specific projects and contracts were signed for about $700 million. Uzbek Cinema Days were successfully held in Tajikistan. Soon the youth of our countries will meet in Fergana Valley. In a word, our historical closeness is being embodied in reality”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon sincerely greeted the President of Uzbekistan and noted the significance of this visit.

“Uzbekistan is our strategic partner and reliable neighbor. We are glad that today bilateral relations are developing dynamically. Trade and economic cooperation is enhancing. Collaboration in the cultural and humanitarian field is strengthening. I would like to note the coordination and close interaction of our countries on regional security issues. I am ready to discuss with you today the state and prospects of our relations, as well as international and regional issues”, Emomali Rahmon said.

It was noted that the number of joint ventures increased by 8 times and today exceeds 200. For example, a joint venture for the production of consumer electronics Artel Avesto Electronics is successfully operating in Dushanbe. More than 30 such projects have been developed by the time of the visit.

It was emphasized that even in difficult conditions of the last year, the volumes of cargo transportation and transit have grown. Discounts and benefits are provided mutually. In addition, we were among the first to resume flights between the capitals.

Specific proposals were made to increase trade turnover, effectively use the potential of the regions, and promote industrial cooperation in various sectors of the economy. The importance of finding new growth points for multifaceted cooperation was noted. The issues of further enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges, inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as strengthening interaction in jointly countering the challenges and threats to stability and security were considered.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev cordially congratulated, on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan and his own behalf, fraternal Tajikistan on the upcoming 30th anniversary of independence, wished peace, wellbeing and further prosperity.

The President of Uzbekistan invited President Emomali Rahmon to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan at a convenient time for him.

Source