Opinions & Interviews

Direct ties seen as driving force for Belarus-Tajikistan cooperation

MINSK, 28 June (BelTA) - Direct ties and joint production of competitive goods must become a driving force for further economic cooperation between Belarus and Tajikistan, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko told reporters after the talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon in Minsk on 28 June, BelTA has learned.

“Direct cooperation, joint production of quality competitive goods must become a driving force for further economic cooperation between our countries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president recalled that the joint facility assembling Belarusian farm machines has been successfully operating in Tajikistan for two years, expanding the product lineup. According to him, this project became the starting point for long-term mutually advantageous cooperation in other avenues. “Our first milk processing joint venture was set up in Dushanbe earlier this year. It will use both Belarusian raw materials and technologies. We are planning to build up cooperation in this area and also other agriculture areas,” the head of state noted.

Development of effective trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Tajikistan remains one of the priorities. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the level of trade between the two countries, which totaled $37.5 million last year, in no way matches the potential and the level of cooperation. “All necessary prerequisites are in place to boost it. I am convinced that, together, we can and should increase bilateral trade. It is in the interests of Belarus and Tajikistan,” the Belarusians leader noted.

According to the head of state, humanitarian contacts between the countries expand every year. More than 500 citizens of Tajikistan are currently enrolled in Belarusian universities. The countries have a good legal framework for direct inter-university ties. Joint departments have been set up in five Belarusian universities. Belarus culture days were a success in Tajikistan last year. This year Minsk is looking forward to hosting Tajik artists. A Belarus-Tajik Friendship Garden planted in Brest Oblast this spring is a symbol of friendship between our peoples. Another such project will be implemented in Gomel Oblast,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked Emomali Rahmon for the visit to Belarus during the 2nd European Games. The head of state also considers it symbolic that the visit is taking place in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from German-fascist invaders. “We cherish the memory of the soldiers-liberators, among whom were natives of Tajikistan,” the president said.

He is convinced that the talks in Minsk will open new horizons for the development of all-round cooperation and the new documents signed during the visit will strengthen cooperation in various fields.

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