President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held negotiations in a narrow format and the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council at the "Kuqsaroy" residence in Tashkent. The Uzbek leader emphasized that the state visit of the Tajik leader is a landmark event and an important step in strengthening the centuries-old relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual respect between the two countries. He stated that the new format of cooperation will elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level and enrich the strategic partnership with concrete initiatives.
The sides noted the intensification of contacts at the level of governments, parliaments, and specialized agencies. In preparation for the visit, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, an industrial exhibition, as well as forums of regions, rectors, scientists, youth, and analytical centers were held. These days, Days of Tajik Culture and Cinema are taking place in Uzbekistan.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed promising areas of interaction, with a particular focus on developing trade, industrial cooperation, transport connectivity, and water-energy security. According to last year's results, trade turnover between the countries approached $1 billion. The sides agreed to increase this figure to $2 billion by 2030. To achieve this, plans include accelerating the creation of the "Oybek – Fotehobod" border trade center, implementing digital systems for product certification and permits "E-Permit", and modernizing border crossing points.
It was noted that joint projects in industry, construction, agriculture, textiles, and other sectors are being successfully implemented. A separate program for industrial cooperation, including projects in key economic sectors, will also be adopted. The leaders agreed to expand interregional ties and develop humanitarian, educational, and scientific cooperation. In particular, a five-year plan to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties was proposed.
Furthermore, the sides discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda, confirming their readiness for close interaction within multilateral structures and formats of Central Asia, including cooperation in the field of security.
Source: kun.uz