The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives of Tajik intelligentsia and public activists of Sughd Province in the historic Arbob Palace.

The development of science, cultural and people-to-people ties were the main subjects of the discussion.

At the outset of the meeting President Rahmon noted that mutually beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is based on the territorial, geographical, historical, and cultural commonalities of the two friendly and neighboring countries which share a long history. Development and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is of strategic importance not only for the future of both nations, but also for ensuring peace, stability and security in the whole region.

He also emphasized that relying on mutual trust, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan strive to achieve the fulfillment of the previously reached agreements.

Despite many difficulties and events in history, the two nations have always strived to protect the good traditions of friendship and brotherhood.

A clear example of this is the friendly and fraternal relations of Mavlono Abdurahmoni Jomi and Mir Alisher Navoi.

President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to President Rahmon and the people of Tajikistan for the warm welcome and fraternal hospitality extended to him and to the members of his delegation throughout their stay in Tajikistan.

The sides noted that the opening of border crossing points and the restoration of air, road, and railway links between neighboring countries will create favorable conditions for the development of economy and trade.

Following the meeting, President Rahmon and President Mirziyoyev visited the Kayrakkum carpet factory and inspected the Kairakum hydroelectric power station and its reservoir.