Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the invitation of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, on 18-19 April 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Tajikistan.

The completed visit was extremely successful and became a logical continuation of the constructive and open dialogue between the heads of the two states, the foundations of which were laid in 2018, and agreements on a wide range of bilateral relations.

The agenda of the Uzbek-Tajik events at the highest level was extremely intense and aimed at achieving practical results in the interests of the two fraternal countries and promoting the further strengthening of strategic partnership and alliance.

The main and probably the most important event during the visit, without exaggeration, was the signing of the historic Treaty on Allied Relations, which, according to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “fully meets the fundamental interests of the two fraternal peoples and demonstrates the transition to a qualitatively new stage in Uzbek-Tajik relations "

It is important to note that the Agreement is aimed at further expanding and strengthening interaction in the political, economic, investment, scientific and technical, cultural, humanitarian, transport and logistics and other spheres between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which will further reveal the entire potential existing between the countries .

Moreover, the joint document symbolizes the fact that we are united not only by cooperation in solving pressing problems, but also by a common vision of the future, aimed at strengthening independence, peaceful, conflict-free development and assistance in solving common challenges and tasks facing the region. All this suggests that we are on the threshold of a new era of cooperation, where solidarity and mutual understanding become the foundation stones of our progress and prosperity.

Today, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan adhere to a balanced, multi-vector policy and advocate the consolidation of the legal foundations of international relations, de-escalation of global tension and sustainable development of humanity. The parties actively interact within the framework of various international structures, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and others. Both countries demonstrate similar positions on key issues on the international agenda, including combating modern threats and security challenges, strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, protecting human rights, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thanks to this approach, in recent years it has been possible to radically change the political climate in the region, create a completely new atmosphere of cooperation and remove most of the issues that have served as an obstacle to the development of our countries for many years. In particular, borders were opened and favorable conditions were created for mutual travel of citizens, new air, road and railway routes were restored and launched, the implementation of major projects began, including the joint construction of two hydroelectric power stations on the Zarafshan River, and much more.

Meanwhile, it should be emphasized that the intensification of relations between the two countries began in 2016, when, as part of consistent reforms aimed at establishing a New Uzbekistan, the main strategic direction of foreign policy was improving relations with the states of Central Asia, including Tajikistan.

Also worthy of special attention are the mutual state visits in 2018, which opened a new page in the history of Uzbek-Tajik relations, during which a substantial package of documents was signed - 35 (Dushanbe, 2018) and 28 (Tashkent, 2018) agreements and memorandums , programs and road maps in the areas of politics, trade, energy, transport, culture, science, education, security.

An important place in the development of bilateral cooperation was played by the official visit of President Emomali Rahmon to Uzbekistan on 2-3 June 2022, following which the parties signed 12 more documents, including the historic Declaration on Strengthening Eternal Friendship and Alliance.

Thus, today the total number of bilateral documents regulating Uzbek-Tajik cooperation exceeds 200, and most of them were signed only in the last few years. This indicates the high interest of both parties in creating the necessary conditions for expanding long-term mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of common interest.

Considering this positive trend aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances, it is no exaggeration to emphasize the merits of the Presidents of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who took unprecedented historical steps to expand bilateral ties.

In general, relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are characterized by a high level of trust and mutual respect. Regular confidential dialogue at the highest level between heads of state, their strong political will and joint efforts are becoming an important factor in developing cooperation and deepening mutual understanding.

Today, the allied relations between our countries and the centuries-old, historical and spiritual ties of our peoples have acquired a comprehensive, multidimensional and steadily developing character, which is an important condition for ensuring regional security, as well as the sustainable development of all of Central Asia.

Sarvar Rakhmatullaev is a leading researcher at the International Institute of Central Asia.