President Emomali Rahmonwill depart for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabai tomorrow on a working visit. 

            Abdufattoh Sharifzoda, a spokesman for the President of Tajikistan, told Asia-Plus Monday (July 17) afternoon that President Emomali Rahmon will depart for the Saudi city of Jeddah tomorrow afternoon on a two-day working visit. 

            “On July 19, Emomali Rahmon will participate in the first Gulf-Central Asia Summit that will take place in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh,” the spokesman said.

            Sharifzoda refrained from giving further details of the visit.

            Meanwhile, citing its sources within the Tajik government, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports that while in Saudi Arabia, Emomali Rahmon and the government delegation will also travel to Mecca to perform Umrah.

            The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports that under the auspicious patronage of the King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz, leaders from the Gulf countries will converge alongside counterparts from Central Asia.

            The summit reportedly aims to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between the participating countries.

            The custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent invitations to leaders of all countries in the two blocs to attend the upcoming summit.

            In September 2022, the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue was held in Riyadh. The event was attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

            It is to be noted that the 18th Consultative Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders will also take place in Saudi Arabia on July 19. 

            AlBawada reports that the 18th Consultative Meeting serves as a platform for high-level discussions, enabling leaders to address key challenges, exchange views, and chart a collective course toward a brighter future.  

            The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognized the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan on January 11, 1992.  Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were established on February 22, 1992.  The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Riyadh was opened in September 2008. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Dushanbe was opened in 2010.