Tajik, French presidents discuss cooperation, Afghanistan situation

In the course of the talks, the parties reportedly discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and France and the current situation in Afghanistan.

Their meeting was reportedly followed by negotiations between the government delegations of the two countries in an extended format.

The parties, in particular, outlined sectors like hydropower, metallurgy, mining, light and chemical industries as areas which could drive the bilateral trade between the two counties. 

They also exchanged views on broad opportunities of bilateral collaboration in the fields of logistics, transport, telecommunications and electronics, agriculture and tourism.  

Besides, they discussed investment cooperation between Tajikistan and France.  

Tajikistan is interested in implementation of industry and infrastructure development projects, launch of joint ventures and attraction of modern technologies.  

The Tajik side highly appreciated France’s active participation in reconstruction of Dushanbe international and air navigation system, airport, development of energy and healthcare sectors in Tajikistan, and invited the French side to participate in implementation of reforms and improvement of the banking and financial system in Tajikistan, the Tajik president’s official website says.  

It was emphasized that opening of an office of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Tajikistan could facilitate further expansion of the bilateral cooperation and effective implementation of development goals. 

The parties reportedly noted that intensification of activities of the Tajik-French Entrepreneur Council and MEDEFI Companies Association was one more opportunity to expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with preparation of a roadmap for expansion of cooperation between the two countries for the period up to 2026. 

The parties also discussed cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, science and education, opening of branches of French universities in Tajikistan and allocations of quotas to Tajik students to study in French universities.  

While discussing the issues of providing regional security, the parties reportedly paid a special attention to the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Emomali Rahmon reiterated Tajikistan’s position on resolving the situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing that providing security in the neighboring country was an important factor of national and regional security. 

It was emphasized that the international community and reputable institutions such as the United Nations should not be indifferent in solving political and humanitarian problems in that country.

Emomali Rahmon invited France President to visit Tajikistan with a return official visit at any time convenient for him.