MINSK, 15 January (BelTA) – Belarus and Tajikistan need to identify areas where they can ramp up cooperation, which is particularly relevant amidst the recent decline in trade, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Belarus Bakhtovar Safarzoda, BelTA has learned.
“Let's reinvigorate our relations. As soon as we have an opportunity, Emomali Sharipovich [President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon] and I will discuss areas where we can intensify our relations. You are a very active, promising diplomat; and I think you will make a contribution to the promotion of our relations,” the head of state said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that trade and economy are the basis for any interstate relations. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassures me that last year’s drop in trade is insignificant. But I am an economist and am used to looking at processes in dynamics. Last year the trade did not shrink much compared with the previous year. And the previous year saw a significant decline in trade. Therefore, all in all, our trade contracted,” the head of state remarked.
“We should not destroy the foundation of our relations, which is trade and economy as I have said. Therefore, we need to work hard to bring the trade back to its previous heights. And of course, we have enough goods to increase trade,” the president is confident.
He emphasized that $70 million, $80 million or even $100 million in trade is almost nothing for Belarus and Tajikistan, taking into account the existing potential. “We must look for opportunities to ramp up trade. We should chart out a plan to achieve this goal, like we always do. I am sure that Tajikistan will accept such proposals. We need to decide on the goods for our trade,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “You are well aware of our capabilities. We have everything what Tajikistan needs. This pertains to the manufacturing industry, agriculture, and the supply of automotive equipment, especially heavy trucks. You are trying hard to promote the mining industry. We can stand you in good stead here,” the president said.
He emphasized that no topics are off-limits in relations with Tajikistan and that Belarus is ready to cooperate, including in the defense industry. “You know our capabilities. Tell us how we can help maintain security in your country. We are ready to get involved, and we have already taken many steps in this direction,” the head of state noted.
“In a word, there are a huge number of problems to be addressed and many tasks to be fulfilled. We are ready for this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He emphasized that both countries are well aware of each other’s capabilities. There are long-standing relations of friendship and trust between the two peoples and the two leaders. “Our relations with President Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon are at the highest pitch, one might say. We have no secrets from each other. Therefore, we are building very good, friendly relations,” the president said.
He asked the diplomat to convey Happy New Year wishes to the president of Tajikistan. “I really want this year to be the most successful for the people and the leader of Tajikistan,” the head of state wished.
In turn, Bakhtovar Safarzoda conveyed warm, cordial and friendly greetings from President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the Belarusian head of state, and also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet. “We know you as a great friend of the Republic of Tajikistan and a sincere friend of our leader. We, diplomats, as well as government officials and the peoples of the two countries are proud to have you as a friend,” the ambassador emphasized.
Belarus’ trade with Tajikistan exceeded $78 million in 2022, with Belarusian exports nearing $70 million.
In January-November 2023, trade in goods was estimated at $67.4 million. In January-October 2023, trade in services amounted to $6.4 million.
Nine enterprises with Tajikistan capital are registered in Belarus, including two joint ventures and seven foreign companies. Tajikistan is home to more than 20 facilities of the commodity distribution network of Belarusian companies and one joint venture. Machinery of MTZ and Gomselmash and other companies is assembled at Agroservice (Hisar District), and Mogilevliftmash elevators are assembled in the city of Khujand.
A cooperation roadmap for 2022-2026 was signed during the visit of the Belarusian president to Tajikistan in October 2022. The document features 39 tasks. Of these, 6 have been fulfilled and 33 are in the works, with 21 running on a permanent basis.
