An official welcome ceremony was held at Akorda for President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, who arrived in Astana on an official visit.
In honor of the distinguished guest, helicopters of Kazakhstan’s Air Defense Forces performed a flypast over the presidential residence, carrying the national flags of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emomali Rahmon introduced the members of their respective delegations. The commander of the honor guard delivered a ceremonial report, and the presidential orchestra played the national anthems of both countries.
The two presidents then proceeded to the meeting hall for talks.
Welcoming the Tajik leader, the Head of State emphasized that the visit reflected the deep mutual respect and genuine friendship between the two countries.
“Today, we can speak with full confidence of a strategic partnership and alliance between our two brotherly nations. There are no outstanding issues in our cooperation. There are issues that require consideration and resolution in order to further advance our multifaceted cooperation. We look only ahead in terms of creating new opportunities, implementing mutually beneficial projects and fulfilling the agreements reached. The Kazakh people hold the people of Tajikistan, an ancient nation with a rich history, a distinctive culture and a remarkable spiritual heritage, in sincere respect and warm regard. Under your wise and far-sighted leadership, Tajikistan has made impressive progress across many areas as it pursues wide-ranging reforms. These reforms are delivering sustained economic growth and improving the well-being of the people,” President Tokayev said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke highly of the level of development of Kazakh-Tajik relations, which are showing positive momentum across the board.
“I must note that the governments of our countries are working actively to fully implement all the agreements reached. Thanks to the measures taken, the range of goods is expanding and supplies of various products are increasing. Rail freight transport for exports and imports is growing. Business contacts have intensified. Commercial agreements reached following business forums and dedicated trade missions are being systematically implemented. Against this backdrop, our annual trade turnover consistently exceeds 1 billion US dollars, enabling Kazakhstan to maintain its position among Tajikistan’s three largest trading partners,” the Head of State stated.
According to the President, cultural and humanitarian contacts between the two countries are also steadily expanding.
“Reciprocal Days of Culture are being held, and monuments to prominent figures are being unveiled. A bust of Abai has been unveiled in Dushanbe and a bust of Ibn Sina in Astana. Cooperation in education and youth policy is also at a high level. Forums bringing together young people, scientists and intellectuals are taking place. We therefore have every reason to take pride and rejoice in the results achieved in our cooperation. Today, we are to take part in a very important event – the opening of the new building of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Astana. Well, of course, it is actually not just one building, but a complex of buildings. All of this is impressive and shows that Tajikistan will be represented in our country, one might say, on a permanent basis. This is, of course, a most fitting reflection of our fraternal relations,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.
For his part, the President of Tajikistan noted that cooperation between the two countries is developing dynamically across all key areas. He said that Kazakhstan is among Tajikistan’s leading trade and economic partners.
“Over the first nine months of this year, trade turnover between our countries exceeded 1 billion US dollars. This is almost 26% more than in the same period last year. Investment cooperation is developing steadily. Today, more than 130 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Tajikistan. More than 580 enterprises with Tajik participation operate in Kazakhstan, including 500 wholly owned by Tajik investors. This is a very good, positive sign. Cultural and humanitarian ties continue to show positive momentum. Cultural, educational and academic exchanges take place on a regular basis. Our shared task today is to bring new practical results to our strategic partnership and allied relations. It is important to ensure the consistent implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. I am convinced that today’s talks will enable us to identify concrete steps to further develop the full range of our cooperation,” Emomali Rahmon stated.
During the talks, particular attention was paid to further expanding trade and economic ties and cooperation in transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, water resources, industry and digitalization.
