Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin yesterday participated in the third meeting of foreign ministers in the “Central Asia + Russia” format.  

The meeting that was held through video conferencing was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan M. Tleuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan R. Kazakbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia S. Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan A. Kamilov.

During the meeting, the ministers noted the high level of interstate dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, which are linked by bonds of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect.

The parties discussed a number of topical issues of cooperation in the political and diplomatic line, as well as in the ecnomic, cultural and humanitarian fields.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, the meeting participants exchanged views on the issues related to response to the COVID-19 pandemic and improve anti-crisis potentials of the parties.

They reportedly also discussed migration cooperation issues.   

Speaking at the meeting Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin reported on measures taken by the Tajik Government to prevent the further spread of the infection and mitigate its effect on the country’s economy.

The parties discussed in detail the current situation and prospects of interaction in the field of regional security, taking into account the development of the situation in Afghanistan.

In this regard, Tajik foreign minister noted the need to reestablish peace and stability in neighboring Afghanistan, and stressed that Tajikistan as co-chairman of the Istanbul Process would make the necessary efforts to agree on measures of practical assistance to that country.   

The ministers also exchanged views on the possibilities of expanding a fair and mutually beneficial partnership in the Eurasian space, including the development of trade and economic ties and investment cooperation. 

The parties also discussed the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the acceptability of developing ties in the field of education, science and culture. In this context, the parties stressed the importance of the “Soul of Eurasia” initiative aimed at developing cultural dialogue between the countries.

In conclusion, the ministers adopted the Statement on the strategic directions of cooperation.