CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN

As you know, on May 10-11, 2023, esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid a two-day working visit to the friendly Republic of Tajikistan.

It should be noted that this visit is the first state visit of our esteemed President as head of state to the Republic of Tajikistan. It is gratifying that this visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During the state visit, high-level negotiations were held between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. The Presidents expressed confidence that these talks, held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, would give a new impetus to the strategic Turkmen-Tajik cooperation and help raise interstate relations to a qualitatively new level.

During the meeting, which was held in a confidential and active manner, a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation was discussed, its main directions were determined depending on the current situation. The parties also exchanged views on a number of important issues of the regional and global agenda of mutual interest.

Then, through direct video communication, the Heads of the two countries took part in the laying ceremony of the building of the general education school named after Makhtumkuli for 540 places in the daikhan association named after Ergesh Sultanov, Dusti etrap, Khatlon velayat of the Republic of Tajikistan.

As a result of the high-level talks between the esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, a large package of bilateral documents was signed. In the Mirror Hall of the Kasri Millat Palace, the heads of state of the two countries signed a Declaration on deepening strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan in a solemn atmosphere. In general, during the first state visit of our esteemed President to Tajikistan, 24 important documents were signed that will help strengthen the legal framework of bilateral relations.

As part of the state visit, the President of Turkmenistan visited the "Dusti" ("Friendship") square, located in the center of Dushanbe, and laid flowers at the monument to Ismoil Somoni, the national hero of the Tajik people, the founder of the Tajik state. Built in 1999 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of the Samanid state, this monument and the building immediately behind it have a total height of 43 meters.

As part of the state visit program, the distinguished President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov also met with the leaders of the Majlisi Namoyandagon and the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan. As you know, the Majlisi Oli (Supreme Assembly) consists of two chambers: the lower - Majlisi Namoyandagon (House of Representatives) and the upper - Majlisi Milli (National Council).

On May 11, in the hall "Mejlislar" of the government reception, a meeting of our esteemed President with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda took place.

Later, the Turkmen leader went to the reception room of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan "Takob", located in the mountains at the foot of the city of Dushanbe.

The nature of Tajikistan is rich in flora and fauna. On the territory of the country there are several nature reserves, many lakes and rivers. President Emomali Rahmon invited the distinguished guest to visit the sights of the Takob Valley. The walk around the beautiful corner was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. During the conversation between the Heads of the two states, the need to preserve the national heritage, in-depth study and protection of historical and cultural monuments of the countries was emphasized. As you know, Central Asia, having unique tourist routes, contains unique objects of the Great Silk Road and has great potential for the development of this sector.

Turkmenistan regularly participates in the decision-making of important problems of our time, in particular, problems related to the environment. The country pays close attention to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, systematic use of natural resources, and the introduction of "green" technologies.

The agreements reached during the current state visit of the esteemed President Arkadaglu Serdar to the Republic of Tajikistan will open a new historical page that will contribute to the development of Turkmen-Tajik relations based on equality, mutual respect and trust, for the benefit of two friendly countries and their fraternal peoples.