At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. EmomaliRahmon, the President of the Republic of Latvia Mr.AndrisBērziņš made an official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan from 9 to 11 June, 2014. During the current visit, which was a continuation of the high-level political dialogue between Tajikistan and Latvia,the two Presidents discussed prospects of development of the Tajik - Latvian relations, regional co-operation, as well as key international issues. The Heads of both States noted with gratification that this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Latvia (11 May 1994).

During the talks held in the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the President of the Republic of Latvia exchanged opinions on the most important matters in bilateral relations and on the international agenda. The Presidents voiced their mutual aspirations towards a further facilitation of regular meetings at the highest level, an active use of the existing co-operation mechanisms in political, commercial and economic, scientific and technological, cultural and humanitarian sectors, as well as expanding the bilateral legal framework.

The parties evaluated inter-parliamentary links as a significant component of bilateral co-operation and underscored the necessity of energising contacts between the MajlisiOli of the Republic of Tajikistan and Saeima of the Republic of Latvia.

The Heads of States discussed co-operation within the United Nations, the OSCE and other international organisations. Having reviewed the current issues of international politics, the Heads of both States spoke in favour of strengthening peace and stability, establishing a climate of trust and mutual understanding at the regional and international level.

The Presidents noted the importance of strengthening co-operation in the fight against terrorism and extremism, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropicsubstances and their precursors, trans boundary organized crimeand other present-day challenges and threats.

Having positively evaluated the course of implementation of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia, the Heads of States called for a further deepening of relations between the European Union and the Republic of Tajikistan. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan EmomaliRahmon, while wishing success to the Republic of Latvia with its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2015, welcomed the inclusion of Central-Asia-related topics among the priorities of the Latvian Presidency.

In the light of this, the Parties turned attention to the existing possibilities for expanding co-operation within the framework of international programmes, including the European Commission’s Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP).

With regard to strengthening stability and security in the region, the Heads of States, while recognising the leading role of the UN, reiterated their interest in a further political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan with support and assistance from the international community.

Addressing the development of relations in the economic sphere, the Parties welcomed the activities of the Tajikistan - Latvia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Co-operation as a coordinating body for the development of bilateral economic relations. The parties noted that the sectors of transport and communications, energy, finance and banking, construction, textile industry, agriculture, processing industries, tourism and education had the highest prospects. The parties also pointed out that practical efforts must be made towards stimulating economic contacts in the said areas.

The Heads of States, having discussed issues related to the hydro energetic potential of the Republic of Tajikistan, noted the endeavours of Tajikistan to use it in a rational manner for the development of its national economy and that of the Central Asian region.

The Parties agreed to facilitate, by all means possible, the strengthening of the transit and transport potential of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Latvia, the development of transport infrastructure, to promote the development of international transport corridors that enable the carriage of goods between Europe and Asia.

 The Presidents express satisfaction over the results of the talks held in the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. The President of the Republic of Latvia Mr.AndrisBērziņš offered his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr.EmomaliRahmon and the entire people of Tajikistan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the Latvian delegation and invited the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to make a visit to the Republic of Latvia at the time of his convenience.

The invitation was accepted with gratitude. Dates of the visit will be agreed through diplomatic channels.

Done at Dushanbe on 10 June 2014 in two original copies, each in the Tajik, Latvian and English languages.