First meeting of the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan Supreme Interstate Council held

On March 26, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks in a narrow format and convened the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council at the Kuksaroy residence, according to the Uzbek president’s press service.

According to the statement, Mirziyoyev emphasized that Rahmon’s state visit holds historic significance and represents another important step in strengthening centuries-old ties of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect between the two countries.

“Today we are launching the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format will undoubtedly elevate bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level and enrich Uzbekistan–Tajikistan strategic partnership and alliance relations with practical content and forward-looking initiatives,” Mirziyoyev said.

Active and close contacts at the level of governments, parliaments, and agencies were noted with satisfaction. In preparation for the visit, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, an industrial exhibition, and forums involving regions, rectors, scholars, youth, and analytical centers were successfully held. Days of Tajik culture and cinema are also currently taking place in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the sides discussed new areas of cooperation in detail, analyzed untapped opportunities, and adopted a number of important decisions aimed at accelerating mutually beneficial Uzbekistan–Tajikistan cooperation.

Particular attention was given to increasing trade turnover, promoting industrial cooperation, strengthening transport connectivity, and enhancing water and energy security.

Last year, bilateral trade approached $1 billion, primarily due to increased supplies of finished goods. A number of cooperation projects are being successfully implemented in industry, construction, agriculture, textiles, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

At present, air, bus, and rail connections have been established between the capitals of the two countries, and cargo transportation volumes are growing rapidly.

The sides also reviewed opportunities to increase mutual trade to $2 billion by 2030. Agreements reached on accelerating the construction of the “Oybek–Fotihobod” border trade center, introducing digital systems for product certification and “E-Permit” exchanges, and modernizing border checkpoints are expected to contribute to achieving this goal.

In addition, a separate Industrial Cooperation Program covering projects in mining, energy, agriculture, electrical engineering, light industry, construction, and other sectors is being adopted.

The importance of expanding the capital of the joint investment company to support promising projects was also emphasized. New joint projects are set to be launched in both countries.

Partnership prospects in energy, water resource management, transport, and other sectors were thoroughly reviewed. The leaders agreed to further develop interregional ties and promote humanitarian, educational, and scientific exchanges.

Taking into account the presence of large diasporas, a proposal was put forward to adopt a five-year plan to strengthen cultural and humanitarian relations.

The heads of state also exchanged views on current regional and international issues. The importance of continuing close dialogue and mutual support within multilateral structures and regional formats in Central Asia was emphasized, along with an agreement to enhance cooperation in the field of security.

During the meeting, co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission — the prime ministers of both countries — presented reports on key areas of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to adopt a comprehensive “roadmap” to ensure the full implementation of the agreements reached.

It is worth noting that earlier, Emomali Rahmon arrived in Tashkent on a state visit, where he was welcomed at the international airport by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, followed by an official welcoming ceremony at the Kuksaroy residence.