Bilateral Relations - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 75

Telecommunication Bilateral Relations

Tajikistan to Connect with China’s Telecommunications Network

According to RFE/RL's report on November 17th, Tajikistan unveiled intentions to integrate with China's telecommunications network as part of efforts to enhance internet accessibility in the country, which is ensconced in mountainous terrain and lacks direct access to the sea. This move aligns with the expanding influence of Beijing in Central Asia. Despite recent progress, Tajikistan still grapples with one of the world's slowest internet services, routing all traffic through a government-controlled center. As disclosed by the state news agency Khovar, the initiative coincides with the construction of a highway linking Dushanbe, the nation's capital situated in the western region, to a town bordering China.

Leaders of Tajikistan and Iran Deliberate on Bilateral Relations in Dushanbe

The November 8th meeting between the presidents of Tajikistan and Iran marks a significant stride toward repairing the previously strained relationship between the two nations. Held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, the talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Ebrahim Raisi covered crucial areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Among the agreements reached during this encounter, a standout is the agreement on visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, underscoring the deep linguistic and cultural bonds that unite them. Moreover, both leaders signed memorandums of understanding focusing on transportation, the establishment of free economic zones, and collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking. This joint approach in tackling shared challenges underscores a shared dedication to bolstering the security and prosperity of both nations. President Raisi's visit is widely seen as an effort to thaw the previously frosty relations between Tajikistan and Iran. Strains emerged after Tajikistan's 2015 decision to outlaw the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, an action that Iran did not endorse. Nonetheless, the recent discussions and agreements suggest a potential pivot in diplomatic ties between the two nations. As highlighted by by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, this development could herald the beginning of a new phase in Tajik-Iranian relations.

Bilateral Relations

Turkmenistan and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership

Turkmenistan and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership China firmly supports Turkmenistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on November 29th in Ashgabat, Xinhua reported. Ding’s remarks were made following a meeting with Turkmen President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Ding, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that cooperation between China and Turkmenistan has huge potential and future prospects. China is ready to work with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries to steadily advance the building of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, he added. Berdimuhamedov asked Ding to convey his cordial greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and said that cooperation between the two countries is strategic, long-term and special. Turkmenistan stands ready to work with China to enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation in all fields and promote its comprehensive strategic partnership with China to a new height, he stated. During his visit, Ding also held talks with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, and co-chaired with Meredov the sixth Meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee. The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views during the meeting, and mapped out priorities for cooperation between the two countries in the next phase. The two sides agreed to further synergize their development strategies, increase the scale of economic, trade and investment cooperation, continue to deepen ties over natural gas, accelerate consultations on the alignment of priority economic projects, and to collaborate further on non-resource projects. The two sides also agreed to ensure the success of activities related to the Year of Culture, and promote the early implementation of projects such as the establishment of cultural centers, the establishment of Luban Workshops and Chinese traditional medicine centers in Turkmenistan.