Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) – Stronger ties with Belarus are one of Tajikistan’s priorities, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon said as he met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on 24 May, BelTA has learnt.

Emomali Rahmon noted that he views the ongoing visit to Belarus as part of regular political contacts between the two countries on the high and highest levels. In his view, the talks in Minsk are important, because they will set the tone for the further cooperation between the two states.

“I have no doubts that the results of the talks will also contribute to advancing the partnership to a new level. There are all the necessary preconditions for that, including the political will of the leaders of the two countries,” Emomali Rahmon said.

He pointed to the diversity of the bilateral contacts that cover all the key areas of cooperation, including politics, economy, culture, humanitarian field, defense industry and others. “Relations with a friendly nation of Belarus have a special place in the foreign policy of Tajikistan. We set a high priority to the promotion of closer ties with Belarus and making these ties long-lasting and stable,” the Tajikistan President said.

Reviewing the talks, Emomali Rahmon said that they were conducted in a business-like and trustful atmosphere. “I am convinced that today’s official meetings will open up new opportunities for ramping up cooperation between our countries and peoples,” he emphasized.

Emomali Rahmon invited the Belarusian head of state to pay an official visit to Tajikistan. In his words, the continuation of the fruitful dialogue in Dushanbe will give an additional impetus to the bilateral cooperation.