The official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Tajikistan has ended.
As it was reported, a meeting of the Hero-Arkadag with President Emomali Rahmon had taken place in Dushanbe the day before. As a result of the negotiations, important agreements were reached, and a package of bilateral documents, intended to contribute to the further progressive development of the traditionally friendly Turkmen-Tajik relations and the expansion of fruitful cooperation in various spheres, was signed.
The focus of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on strengthening inter-parliamentary contacts, which are an integral component of the interstate dialogue, was confirmed during the meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli Rustami Emomali on April 4.
On the same day, the Hero-Arkadag and President of the Republic of Tajikistan attended a joint concert of masters of art entitled “Evening of Friendship”. The bright creative event at the Borbad Palace became a visible symbol of the inviolability of the fraternal and good-neighbourly Turkmen-Tajik relations.
The following day, as part of his official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conducted a working meeting with the participation of some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers and other relevant officials. Issues related to the current state of the bilateral cooperation and its prospects were discussed.
Addressing the meeting participants and noting that humanitarian ties were an important area of the Turkmen-Tajik relations, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised the importance of exchanging experience in that field, studying the national historical and cultural heritage of our peoples and popularising their original traditions throughout the world.
It was stressed that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan was steadily implementing its creative foreign-policy strategy and putting forward constructive initiatives. As a result, our country’s cooperation with foreign countries is reaching a qualitatively new level.
Speaking about the presence of a great potential for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships in various fields, including agriculture, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the need for the optimal use of all available opportunities.
Touching upon the topic of interaction in the fuel and energy sector, which is one of the key vectors of international cooperation of Turkmenistan, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised special attention should be paid to the introduction of innovative methods and digital technologies in the work of production structures of the fuel and energy complex and prospects of the implementation of joint projects, and the implementation of the agreements reached should be approached on an integrated basis.
During the working meeting, issues of intensifying the Turkmen-Tajik partnership in the transport sector and effectively using for those purposes the transit potential of Turkmenistan, located at the intersection of the East–West and North–South routes and along the Great Silk Road, now being revived in new historical conditions, were discussed.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people also focused on the opportunities for the development of interaction in the urban planning sphere, including the “smart city” conception, within the framework of the multi-vector bilateral relations with the Republic of Tajikistan and gave specific instructions in this regard.
Highlighting the practical significance of the Turkmen-Tajik business forum held in Dushanbe, the Hero-Arkadag noted the importance of implementing the agreements reached during the business meeting and realising new joint projects.
Expressing satisfaction with the progressive development of cooperation with the Republic of Tajikistan in various directions and the results of the negotiations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the priority aspects of the interstate relations should be covered in the media, giving appropriate instructions in this regard.
Concluding the working meeting, the Hero-Arkadag wished those present every success in solving the important tasks set.
On the second and final day of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda.
Cordially welcoming the distinguished guest, the Speaker of the lower house of the Tajik Parliament emphasised that for him the meeting with the Hero-Arkadag was a great honour. Taking this opportunity, the Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people on the Nowruz Holiday, which has acquired international status and is widely celebrated in our countries. It was stressed that the visit of Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Dushanbe had written down a new important chapter in the history of the interstate dialogue. Based on the mutual goodwill of the parties and the solid foundation laid, the Turkmen-Tajik cooperation is constantly enriched in its content. Contacts between the legislative bodies have received new incentives, and the mechanisms of parliamentary diplomacy are being activated.
As it was noted, over the past years, a solid legal framework for the bilateral partnership had been created, and it had been supplemented by a package of important documents signed following the negotiations between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Emomali Rahmon. At the same time, it was emphasised that Tajikistan sincerely valued its traditionally friendly relations with Turkmenistan and aimed to fully expand the interstate cooperation.
Thanking for the kind words and the warm welcome provided, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that their meeting would also serve as an effective impetus for the further development of the fraternal Turkmen-Tajik dialogue, through parliamentary diplomacy as well. The long-term and diverse partnership between the two countries is of a strategic nature. Turkmenistan highly values this and attaches great importance to strengthening its traditional cooperation with the Republic of Tajikistan.
One of the key vectors of the bilateral partnership is the trade and economic sphere, where there is a significant potential for strengthening productive interaction. The priority areas here are trade, transport, energy, industry and agriculture.
At the same time, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed Turkmenistan attached great importance to the development of humanitarian cooperation – an important component of the bilateral relations. Joint cultural events and scientific contacts contribute to the mutual spiritual enrichment of our peoples. In this context, Turkmenistan’s readiness to further expand this fruitful dialogue, including in the fields of science and education, health care, ecology and interregional relations, was confirmed.
During the exchange of views on promising vectors of interaction that took place during the meeting, it was noted that an important place in the development of the constructive Turkmen-Tajik cooperation was given to contacts through national parliaments. In modern conditions, parliamentary diplomacy acquires special significance. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, paying great attention to promoting that format of diplomatic activity, was actively developing interparliamentary relations with different countries of the world.
The successes and experience of interaction between the legislative bodies achieved during this process testify to the enormous possibilities of parliamentary diplomacy. In this regard, the parties expressed their readiness to develop their cooperation in this area through regular meetings, bilateral and multilateral events and mutual visits of parliamentary delegations.
It was also stressed that parliamentary diplomacy played a significant role in ensuring peace and sustainable development and strengthening interstate relations in general. This opens up broad prospects for the Turkmen-Tajik cooperation in the aforementioned area. In this aspect, noting the expediency of intensifying the work of the Turkmen-Tajik Parliamentary Friendship Group, the National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed holding its next meeting in the near future.
Along with this, it was proposed to establish interaction and exchange of experience on improving legislation in relevant areas, which correlates with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Continuing the topic, the Hero-Arkadag proposed strengthening the role of parliaments in deepening the humanitarian relations based on the common cultural heritage and spiritual values of the Turkmen and Tajik peoples.
It was also stated that parliamentarians of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan cooperated constructively at multilateral platforms – within the framework of the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the OIC Parliamentary Union, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States. At the same time, the parties’ readiness for further interaction in that direction was confirmed.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda and members of the Tajik Parliament to visit Turkmenistan.
At the end of the meeting, the Hero-Arkadag and the Speaker of the lower house of the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan exchanged best wishes to each other and the fraternal peoples of both countries.
On the same day, as part of his official visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda.
Emphasising he was sincerely glad to welcome the Hero-Arkadag on the Tajik soil, the Head of the Government of the fraternal country expressed confidence that the visit and the negotiations that had taken place the day before between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Head of Tajikistan and had resulted in important agreements would contribute to the further dynamic development of the interstate relations. It was noted that based on the historically established ties, many years of successful experience and its potential, the diverse bilateral cooperation was acquiring new content in the modern era.
Thanking for the warm welcome and hospitality, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the productivity of the negotiations with President Emomali Rahmon, during which the commitment of our states to the comprehensive strengthening of mutually beneficial partnership had been reaffirmed. The Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence that his meeting with the Prime Minister of Tajikistan would also serve to strengthen Turkmen-Tajik relations, covering a wide range of areas.
As for the political and diplomatic sphere, Turkmenistan considers the Republic of Tajikistan as an important partner in bilateral and multilateral cooperation formats. Over decades of our joint work, very warm, friendly and fraternal relations have developed between our countries and peoples, based on strong ties of good neighbourliness, respect and mutual support.
During the meeting, the subject of interesting discussion was the topic of trade and economic cooperation, which is one of the main areas of the bilateral partnership.
In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag proposed taking coordinated measures to ensure growth in volumes and the diversification of the range of trade turnover, through promoting the development of direct ties between private companies and the business community as well. Along with this, it was proposed to take effective steps towards the practical implementation of the project to open Trading Houses in the capitals of the two states.
It was also noted that during the joint business forum and exhibition of export products of the two countries, held on May 8, 2023 in Dushanbe, entrepreneurs of Tajikistan had showed great interest in Turkmen textile products. In this context, at the meeting in the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed his readiness to consider the possibility of implementing the first pilot project to construct a textile factory on the territory of the friendly state with the participation of Turkmen companies. Taking into account the above, Turkmenistan is ready to organise a meeting of the relevant ministries and departments of the two countries to study and discuss this issue.
It was emphasised that in the development of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation, an important role is assigned to the Joint Intergovernmental Commission and the Turkmen-Tajik Business Council.
Continuing the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Prime Minister of Tajikistan highlighted a number of key areas of the interstate cooperation, discussed during negotiations with President Emomali Rahmon on April 4.
As the Hero-Arkadag noted, they included the formation of a transport route in the Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye direction and the possibility of organising a multimodal transport corridor from China to Turkmenistan through the territories of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with access to the ports of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Proper work is also being carried out in the field of railway and road transport, and the necessary measures are being implemented to increase the volume of freight turnover between the two states. Particular attention is paid to the issue of cargo transit. Thanks to the steps taken in this sphere, the level of cargo transportation is steadily growing.
In the context of the topic of transport communications, the National Leader of the Turkmen people also spoke about the advisability of continuing to study the possibilities of resuming direct and transit air flights between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
The Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to consider the energy sector as one of the promising areas of cooperation. They include, in particular, the supply of Turkmen electricity and natural gas to Tajikistan through the territory of Uzbekistan. At the same time, our countries’ experience of partnership in the electric-power industry was noted.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty confirmed the readiness of Turkmenistan to resume such interaction and to implement it on a systematic basis, as well as to discuss in detail technical, organisational and other issues of electricity and natural gas supplies. There, if necessary, it seemed advisable to organise a trilateral meeting with the participation of experts from the Uzbek party.
Our country also interacts with Tajikistan in the field of supplies of Turkmen oil products and is ready to increase their volumes depending on the needs of the Tajik party.
There is also a great untapped potential for cooperation in the agricultural sector. In this regard, the Hero-Arkadag proposed to consider the possibility of deepening partnership in the agro-industrial complex, which, in particular, concerns mutual supplies of agricultural products on a systematic basis. For this, the parties have the necessary conditions, including the legal framework. It is proposed to implement this direction with the involvement of representatives of private companies and entrepreneurs of the two countries.
The systematic Turkmen-Tajik cooperation is also carried out in the field of water management within the framework of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. It seemed appropriate to intensify that area of partnership with the participation of other relevant parties, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted.
During the meeting, the Hero-Arkadag and the Prime Minister of Tajikistan also paid attention to the humanitarian aspect of cooperation, confirming their readiness to further develop the interstate ties in the fields of culture, science, education, health care and sports. It was noted that holding mutual Days of Culture had become a good tradition. Of particular importance here is the fact that our countries are united by a common history and cultural and spiritual values that has developed over centuries.
In this context, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that year the 300th birth anniversary of the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy was widely being celebrated at the international level. In this regard, the International Conference of Ministers of Culture is to be held in Ashgabat in May, and the International Forum of Heads of State and Government to mark the anniversary is to take place in October. Turkmenistan hopes that delegations from Tajikistan will take part in these events.
It was also noted that positive dynamics is inherent in the bilateral cooperation in the field of education. An example of fraternal relations in this sphere is also the construction of Magtymguly secondary school in the Dusti district, Khatlon region.
At the end of the meeting, emphasising that Turkmenistan and Tajikistan intended to continue interacting fruitfully on the entire range of interstate cooperation issues on the agenda, the Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda expressed confidence that the equal, mutually beneficial partnership between our countries would further strengthen and develop for the benefit of friendly peoples.
On the same day, a meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon took place at the Government Residence.
After warmly and brotherly greeting the Hero-Arkadag, the head of the friendly state, before the meeting, acquainted the National Leader of the Turkmen people with the design of the building, the interior decoration of which reflects the original features of traditional Tajik architecture and design. The colour palette and national decorative elements, including skilful ornaments, masterly wood carvings and original lamps embody the ancient history and rich culture of the Tajik people. At the same time, modern achievements in interior design found their application there.
As the Hero-Arkadag noted during the conversation, Turkmenistan also carefully preserved the original traditions of national architecture and decoration, which were part of the unique cultural heritage of our people. Harmoniously combined with advanced trends, they are embodied in the implementation of the comprehensive urban planning programme deployed in our country and in the implementation of a large-scale project to create the city of Arkadag. The external look and internal design of buildings, erected and being under construction in the capital, the new “smart” city and the regions of the Motherland, are distinguished by originality and a bright national colour. In this regard, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty spoke in favour of establishing mutually beneficial contacts and exchange of experience with Tajik partners in the field of architecture and design.
During the meeting that followed, President Emomali Rahmon highlighted the importance of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the programme of which also included a number of important bilateral meetings on parliamentary and government lines. As the Head of Tajikistan noted, the documents signed following the negotiations would certainly give a new impetus to the interstate cooperation meeting the interests of the wellbeing of the two countries and peoples.
Once again expressing gratitude to President Emomali Rahmon for the warm welcome provided, the Hero-Arkadag also thanked the Head of Tajikistan for creating excellent conditions for successful joint work. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted with satisfaction the content and fruitfulness of the negotiations and meetings held in Dushanbe, which had taken place in the atmosphere of openness, mutual understanding and trust inherent in the bilateral relations. This factor clearly demonstrates the special nature of the interstate dialogue, based on the unbreakable ties of friendship and mutual goodwill.
Continuing the conversation, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Emomali Rahmon noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan was developing on the basis of the centuries-old traditions of good neighbourliness, common history, culture and spiritual and social values. Having such a solid foundation, our countries confidently form and implement joint partnership plans and conduct constructive dialogue on current issues of the regional and international agenda.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan pursue a peaceful foreign policy and make a concrete contribution to maintaining peace, stability and security in the region and globally, to solving pressing problems related to modern challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our states intend to continue the strengthening of cooperation and the practice of mutual support in the UN and other authoritative international organisations.
Having a solid potential for cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan are aimed at optimally using existing opportunities to increase trade volumes, to build up partnerships in various sectors, to intensify investment activities, to implement joint projects and to enter new promising areas of interaction.
In the interstate dialogue, special attention is also paid to environmental issues. Our countries are committed to joint efforts in this area, including the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
At the end of the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the visit and the bilateral documents signed would serve the further dynamic development of the Turkmen-Tajik cooperation, which was given a strategic nature.
Then the Hero-Arkadag and the Head of the Republic of Tajikistan proceeded together to the Dushanbe International Airport.
There, at the plane’s ramp, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Emomali Rahmon warmly said goodbye to each other, exchanging best wishes to the fraternal peoples of both countries.
Upon the completion of the programme of the official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, the Hero-Arkadag boarded the waiting airliner, by which he departed for his Motherland.
Upon arrival at the Ashgabat International Airport, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was met by officials.
Thus, the results of the official visit of the Hero-Arkadag to the Republic of Tajikistan became an eloquent confirmation of the unwavering commitment of the two states and peoples to the historically established traditions of friendship and brotherhood and the mutual readiness of the parties to continue fully strengthening and expanding the fruitful cooperation meeting the goals of common wellbeing.
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Within the framework of the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan, organised in the friendly state, a presentation of the books by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Ýaşlar – Watanyň daýanjy and Anau – Culture Originated from the Millennia took place in the conference hall of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. In the celebration, people of science and art from the two countries took part.
As it was noted, the history of the Turkmen-Tajik relations was centuries-old. The commonality of culture, traditions, customs and spiritual values in the modern era serves to bring our fraternal peoples closer together and to strengthen mutual understanding between them.
It was emphasised that in the development of the interstate dialogue an important role was assigned to cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Visual evidence of this is the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Tajikistan and the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Dushanbe.
During the presentation, representatives of the Tajik party noted the deep content and artistic merits of the books of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which were of great interest to the international readership.
The participants of the celebration expressed sincere gratitude to the heads of the two friendly states for the opportunities created for the development of the close fruitful ties and exchange of experience between creative figures of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan.