President of the Republic of Tajikistan

Interview with correspondents of Qatar News Agency

09.06.2023 15:30, Dushanbe city

On June 8, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, answered the questions of the correspondents of the Qatar News Agency on the occasion of the state visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar.

The correspondent of the Qatar News Agency addressed the Honorable Head of State Emomali Rahmon with questions about the results of the state visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar, the development of relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tajikistan, the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as the key areas of cooperation, and received in-depth answers.

During the interview, the general view of the Tajik side regarding finding solutions to the most important global issues of the planet, such as the shortage of drinking water, climate change and its consequences, and protection of glaciers, was expressed.

It is worth noting that all global initiatives of the Honorable Emomali Rahmon, the Leader of the Nation, on solving global problems and efficient and rational use of water resources, have attracted the attention of the international community.

Relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tajikistan have been developing significantly in recent years, and how do you evaluate the visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar to your country?

In its foreign policy, the Republic of Tajikistan attaches particular importance to the development of relations with the Arab countries, including the State of Qatar. We highly appreciate the level and process of development and expansion of multifaceted relations between Tajikistan and the State of Qatar and their prospects given the common civilizational values, mutual understanding, trust and respect for reciprocal interests.

Therefore, it is safe to say that the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to Tajikistan will further strengthen the set of collaborative relations between the two countries, as well as will ensure effective trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian support and will enrich them with the new practical context.

Firstly, I would like to emphasize that during the His Highness visit, we intend to officially  inaugurate the modern cathedral mosque in the capital of Tajikistan - Dushanbe city, which was constructed with the support and assistance of a friendly country.

We consider the current visit  of the high-ranking delegation of the State of Qatar as a logical extension of the ongoing interstate dialogue between the two countries.

The high-level negotiations held in 2007 in Dushanbe, during Tajikistani side’s state visit to the State of Qatar in 2017 in Doha, and during the visit of the distinguished brother of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to Tajikistan in 2019 in Dushanbe represent the high level of current political ties of the countries that played a key role in advancing and developing comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The package of new bilateral documents to be signed during the visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar will undoubtedly give additional legitimacy to our cooperation.

 

What is the significance of this visit for the development of relations and cooperation between the two countries in various spheres?We are interested in the further development and expansion of relations between the two countries in all areas of reciprocal interest.

We are of firm belief that our negotiations’  outcome will be an important factor in expanding cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, commercial, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

It is worth noting that in the aforesaid areas of partnership, as well as in energy, banking, industry, agriculture and tourism sectors, both countries have huge untapped opportunities, and their active implementation will fully meet the interests of our peoples.

We consider these areas as the priority directions of cooperation with Qatar and appreciate the active participation of investors and business circles of the friendly country, including in the creating of joint ventures in production sector.

 

How do you assess the current bilateral cooperation between the two countries?

Friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries stand at a high level and are getting stronger on a day-to-day basis.

Regular contacts between high-level official delegations, leaders, members of parliament and sectoral structures undoubtedly play  an essential role in the effective advancing of this process.

The parties need to scale up efforts to effectively implement the previously signed documents, as well as to revitalize the Joint Intergovernmental Commission of Tajikistan and Qatar on economic, commercial and technical cooperation.

 

- What is your vision for future relations between the two countries?

We firmly believe in a good future of friendly relations and beneficial  cooperation with the State of Qatar and consider their prospects promising.

Industry, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, transport, the financial sector, digitization, as well as agriculture and tourism have been identified as priority  investment sectors in Tajikistan.

Expanding the establishment of mutually beneficial and promising cooperation in these sectors will ensure a favourable basis for increasing mutual trade turnover and bringing  our cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

I am sure that these directions are attractive to Qatari investors. In this context, Tajikistan expresses its readiness to present investment projects to the appropriate circles of friendly country.

The State of Qatar is one of the first Arab countries to make direct investments in Tajikistan. The Qatari company "Diar" in the capital of our country is implementing an investment project"Diar Dushanbe". To date, the first phase of the said project has been completed. The company intends to complete its second phase in the nearest future. We are linking the beginning of the next phases of this project as soon as possible.

It should be noted that Tajikistan has created favourable conditions for investment, entrepreneurship and private sector development. The current legislation provides for more than 240 types of incentives for entrepreneurs and investors. Our legislation guarantees equal rights for domestic and foreign investors, and we consider this as a factor contributing to trade and investment growth between our countries.

An analysis of the state of bilateral and multilateral relations shows that the two countries are linked by mutually beneficial ties in all areas of common interest.

 

- - In your opinion, what areas constitute the key to the new partnership between the two countries?

Of course, trade and economic cooperation in the totality of relations between our countries is one of the priority areas. At the same time, it is necessary to increase the volume and expand the structure of business between the parties and expand cooperation in the investment sector.

Processing and production of competitive export products, especially drinking water, high-quality organic fruits and vegetables was noteworthy in this connection.

We consider tourism development cooperation beneficial for both sides, given the numerous opportunities of the two countries.

All these areas are among the most important ones that are in our constant attention.

With the aim to expand these relations, creation of a Permanent Business Council of the two countries and regular holding of economic forums, exhibitions of agricultural and industrial products and other joint events will play an effective role.

It should also be noted that favourable opportunities have been ensured for expanding cooperation in the implementation of joint projects by entrepreneurs of the two countries in the free economic zones of the Republic of Tajikistan.

I therefore call upon investors from a fraternal country to fully utilize these opportunities.

In today’s condition, tourism development requires that our countries become more aware of each other’s potential and capabilities and facilitate the movement of citizens. We believe that the successful implementation of joint projects, the promotion of investment and the strengthening of relations in other areas of mutual interest will expand the way to enhanced cooperation in tourism sector.

Tajikistan has created conducive environment for tourists, including for Qatari citizens, they can enter Tajikistan without a visa.

We consider cooperation in science, education, health and culture to be an important pillar of human relations between the parties.

In this regard, both countries still have many untapped opportunities to further strengthen and expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

 

Political cooperation between the two countries and a common view on various regional and international problems and crises?

Tajikistan and Qatar are fostering mutually advantageous cooperation within international and regional organizations and are supporting each other’s initiatives in the international arena.

Meanwhile, we are grateful to the State of Qatar for its continued support of Tajikistan’s global steps in water resources, climate and regional security.

We also appreciate fraternal country’s support for our 5th global initiative to declare 2025 as the International Year for the Glaciers Conservation.

Regarding crisis settlement, Tajikistan considers negotiations as the only peaceful solution.

In this context, we appreciate the creative and diplomatic efforts of our fraternal country to ensure regional and world peace and security.

 

What issues would you discuss with the Emir of State of Qatar?

The important issues to be addressed at the highest level are, first and foremost, strengthening economic and social cooperation. Of course, given the current situation in the world, issues of combating challenges and threats to security and cooperation between the two countries within international and regional organizations will be raised.

At the same time, the Republic of Tajikistan is fully interested in expanding effective cooperation with the State of Qatar, its structures and institutions in various socio-economic spheres. In this regard, the issues to be discussed during the meeting will be considered as the next serious step towards further expansion of relations between Tajikistan and Qatar.

 

- Your view on the development of cooperation between the two countries in energy sector?

For Tajikistan, Qatar is an important partner in the international arena, relations in energy sector are deemed very necessary.

Tajikistan’s hydropower potential is 527 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, with only 5 percent currently in use.

Tajikistan ranks 8th in the world in terms of hydropower resources, i.e, renewable energy, and ranks 6th among countries in the world in terms of clean energy production and consumption. This means that hydropower resources constitute one of the main assets of Tajikistan.

The Government of Tajikistan has created a favorable investment climate in recent years. The Republic of Tajikistan will welcome the active participation of the Qatari side in implementing its projects, including in energy sector. A favorable base for realizing regional important energy projects is our country's abundant water resources, which make up about 60 percent of Central Asia's water resources.

Currently, Tajikistan is implementing the largest hydroelectric power project “Rogun”, which is the most important factor in our country’s socio-economic development and is one of the main sources of generation of “green” energy.

The construction of the Rogun hydropower plant continues successfully, and two of its units have already been put into operation. "Rogun" hydropower plant consists of 6 units with a capacity of 600 megawatts each. Rogun HPP  with a capacity of 3800 megawatts is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the region.

Implementing construction projects of our large, medium and small energy facilities will allow the export of "green" energy to the Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this regard, the Republic of Tajikistan is ready to establish cooperation with the Qatari side.

Given the rich sectorial experience of Qatari companies and industry institutions, it is also proposed that the private sector of the State of Qatar participate in investments in energy sector in Tajikistan, especially in the construction of wind and solar power plants.

THANK YOU!

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