Ankara hosted a reception marking the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence, bringing together a program focused on the political, economic and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Tajikistan. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Sodik Ashurboyzoda Imomi, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and numerous guests attended the ceremony.
The program began with the national anthems of Türkiye and Tajikistan.
Emphasis on energy and defense industries in bilateral ties
İbrahim Yumaklı described Türkiye and Tajikistan as two brotherly countries connected by historic and cultural ties. Noting that Central Asia had assumed a central position in world politics, Yumaklı said they regarded Tajikistan as a reliable friend and a partner with whom they could work toward a shared future.
Yumaklı said cooperation between the two countries was advancing in many areas, including agriculture, health, energy, infrastructure, education and the defense industry. He said these ties needed to be further strengthened and placed on an institutional footing.
$1 billion target for bilateral trade
Noting progress in Türkiye-Tajikistan commercial and political relations, Yumaklı announced that the goal was to raise total bilateral trade, which is expected to reach $609 million in 2025, to $1 billion in a short period. Yumaklı said the target had been set by the presidents of the two countries.
Dushanbe’s multilateral foreign policy approach
Sodik Ashurboyzoda Imomi said that 35 years ago, the people of Tajikistan chose the path of establishing a sovereign and independent state, determining the country’s historical future through that choice.
Imomi said Tajikistan was firmly pursuing a peaceful and multilateral foreign policy and contributing to strengthening regional stability and developing good-neighborly relations. He also said contributions were being made to advancing water resources, climate change, sustainable development and glacier protection on the international agenda.
Noting that Türkiye held a special place in Tajikistan’s foreign policy, Imomi said bilateral relations were shaped not only by historic and cultural ties but also by mutual respect and shared spiritual values.
Imomi recalled that Türkiye was among the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence and that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 29, 1992.
Imomi said a strong legal and agreement-based foundation for cooperation had recently been established; political dialogue had advanced, commercial and economic cooperation had expanded, and joint projects had been implemented in education, health, industry, infrastructure, culture and tourism.
Imomi reiterated the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion and thanked Türkiye for its continued support for developing friendly relations with Tajikistan.
After the official program ended, guests were served dishes from Tajik cuisine.
