On April 18, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan met Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan in Dushanbe, where the two leaders signed a Treaty on Allied Relations between their countries.
Referring to Tajikistan as Uzbekistan’s closest, most reliable, and time-tested strategic partner, Mirziyoyev announced, “The fraternal Uzbek and Tajik peoples are inextricably linked by strong bonds of centuries-old friendship. We are brought together by common history, cultural and spiritual values, traditions, and customs.”
He went on to emphasize the enormous significance of the Treaty on Allied Relations saying, “With this step, we confirmed our strong mutual commitment to an irreversible course towards deepening the multifaceted Uzbek-Tajik strategic partnership and alliance. Without any exaggeration, this important document will mark a new historical milestone in bilateral relations.”
Adding that the Treaty takes Tajik-Uzbek relations to a qualitatively new level, President Rahmon stated, “This document will also become an important factor in strengthening peace and stability in our region – Central Asia”
On the eve of Mirziyoyev’s visit, a Tajik-Uzbek business forum resulted in a solid portfolio of new cooperation projects and trade contracts in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy, mining, agricultural, textile and pharmaceuticals industries.
During the Tajik-Uzbek talks it was reported that in recent years, bilateral trade turnover has increased 40-fold and the number of joint ventures has grown 15-fold.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have now raised the bar by setting a target to increase trade turnover to $2 billion by expanding the exchange of supplies and launching cross-border trade zones.
