Tajikistan Embassy celebrates national day with joy and fervour
Ambassador of Tajikistan Akram M. Karimi hosted a grand reception to mark the 34th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan here recently. The event, at the Cultural Palace of the Diplomatic Quarters in the Saudi capital city, celebrated the strong partnership between Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan, rooted in a shared vision of peace, progress, and prosperity.
Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, mayor of Riyadh, was the chief guest on the occasion. The reception, followed by a lavish dinner, was attended by top Saudi officials, businessmen, ambassadors of several countries, besides diplomats and journalists. Every year on September 9, Tajikistan celebrates its Independence Day. This date, in 1991, signifies the nation’s liberation from Soviet control, a remarkable achievement driven by self-determination.
In his speech on this occasion, Karimi emphasized the importance of the enduring relationship between the Kingdom and Tajikistan. He highlighted the achievements of Tajikistan, which has achieved remarkable milestones in development and progress, overcoming tremendous challenges, and moving steadily on the path of reform and nation-building. “It is a source of great pride for us that Tajikistan, under the wise leadership of President Emomali Rahmon continues to move with steady steps toward sustainable development and stability,” said Karimi.
The diplomat further said: “Over the past years, my government has adopted medium-and long-term programs and strategies, including the National Development Strategy until 2030, which focuses on four main pillars: energy, communications, food security, and industry.” Moreover, Tajikistan is striving to strengthen its position internationally and has launched several global initiatives, including water resource management, environmental and climate issues, artificial intelligence, and achieving regional integration and cooperation.
To this end, he pointed out that the city of Dushanbe hosted last May a high-level international conference on the protection of glaciers, in cooperation with the United Nations and international partners. He said that Tajikistan values its distinguished relations with Saudi Arabia, considering it an important partner at both the regional and international levels, and looks forward to enhancing cooperation with it in all fields.
Referring to the progressively growing relations, the ambassador said that “the Tajik-Saudi relations almost coincided with the dawn of Tajikistan’s independence, as the Kingdom was among the first countries to recognize our independence and sovereignty, and a few months later, initiated diplomatic relations with us.” “There is no doubt that the spiritual bonds, cultural and civilizational ties, shared values, and fraternal relations between the leaderships of our two countries represent fundamental pillars of the strong relations between Dushanbe and Riyadh,” he added.
He said that “Tajikistan and the Kingdom also continue to cooperate and coordinate within international and regional organizations, sharing similar positions and common visions on many international issues.” “The recent agreements signed between the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan and the Saudi Fund for Development, including a development loan agreement to help finance the Rogun Hydropower Project, which will generate up to 3800 MW, are clear evidence of the depth of our relations and the Kingdom’s support for Tajikistan’s development path,” he added.
Ambassador Karimi said that the concerned authorities in Dushanbe and Riyadh are working at present to strengthen trade, economic, investment, and tourism cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, several sessions of the Tajik-Saudi Joint Governmental Committee on economic, trade, and technical cooperation have been held, alongside investment forums, high-level exchange of visits, and continuous exchanges.
Additionally, the Tajik-Saudi Business Council was established, and preparations are currently underway for the fifth session of the Joint Committee, with high hopes that these efforts will soon bear fruit. Karimi extended his highest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, for their gracious support in strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the two nations.
“I would also like to sincerely thank Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all the officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom for the support and facilitation they provide to enable us to carry out our duties in the best possible manner,” he added. He also extended his profound thanks and appreciation to Eng. Fakhr bin Abdulmoin Al-Shawwaf, CEO of Albawani Holding Group, for his generous support and sponsorship of the reception. On January 11, 1992, Saudi Arabia recognized the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have forged closer ties in different fields, including politics, economy, and culture. On February 22, 1992, diplomatic relations were established between Tajikistan and the Kingdom. The embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Riyadh was opened way back in September 2008, while the embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dushanbe was inaugurated in 2010.
