Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), Shukurjon Zuhurov heading Tajik parliamentary delegation has visited Uzbekistan, Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for the Majlisi Namoyandagon, told Asia-Plus today morning.  

While in Tashkent, Zuhurov reportedly met with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In the course of the talks, the two sides reportedly pointed out the necessity of expanding cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.

“Almost three years have passed since you headed the republic.    The time of your rule can be called an era of important reforms and changes that seemed impossible under your predecessor,” Zuhurov said.

According to him, some 750,000 Uzbek tourists visited Tajikistan last year and approximately the same number of Tajik citizens visited Uzbekistan. 

“This year, more than 4000 Uzbek students entered Tajik higher educational institutions,” said Tajik parliament speaker.       

He noted that the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan last year increased 2.3 times, reaching 287 million U.S. dollars.   

“Uzbekistan is our strategic partner and we should strengthen these relations through parliamentary ties,” Zuhurov said.   

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for his part, noted that a regular and reliable dialogue established between the two countries had allowed bringing bilateral cooperation to an unprecedented high level.  

During his visit to Tashkent, Zuhurov also held talks with Ms. Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s upper house (Senate) of parliament.