CONTINUITY AND PROGRESS: ADVANCING TAJIKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE LEADER OF THE NATION

 

Over the years of independence, our country has achieved tangible progress through the effective policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon by implementing “open doors” foreign policy. This approach has broadened Tajikistan’s network of partners and established a solid foundation for the country’s active participation in international and regional organizations, as well as international financial institutions.

 

Throughout this process, it remains crucial to safeguard Tajikistan’s economic, social, and security interests; attract foreign investment for key infrastructure projects; and create favorable external conditions that ensure the nation’s sustainable development and long-term stability. Currently, the Republic of Tajikistan is recognized by 192 countries of the world, and has diplomatic relations with 186. Furthermore, our country is a full member of all international and regional organizations and is a party to more than 170 international conventions.

 

Tajikistan’s commitment to economic diplomacy and its  «open doors» policy have fostered these ties by providing a conducive environment for foreign investment, facilitating business cooperation, and encouraging mutually beneficial economic exchanges.

To this end, nowadays the Government of Tajikistan is implementing major constructive plans to continuously improve the living standards of the population using all available resources and opportunities.

 

Key investments have been directed toward the achievement of National Strategic Goals 2030 to ensure energy independence and food security, breaking out of its communication deadlock, and promoting sustainable economic development through industrialization and innovation, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and diversification.

 

These sectors have attracted considerable attention from international investors, reflecting confidence in Tajikistan’s economic potential and policy stability. In view of these encouraging advancements and with the aim of fostering mutually advantageous partnerships, the Republic of Tajikistan invites investors and members of the global business community to explore and seize promising investment opportunities within the country.

 

Promoting cooperation through regional and international organizations remains a cornerstone of Tajikistan’s foreign policy. This has enabled the country to advance the President’s global initiatives in addressing water resources, climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

 

For more than two decades, under the leadership of H.E. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, our country has championed the global water agenda at the United Nations and beyond. Fourteen UNGA resolutions initiated by Tajikistan—International Year of Freshwater (2003); International Decade of Action “Water for Life” (2005–2015); International Year of Water Cooperation (2013); International Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028); International Year of Glacier Preservation (2025); and International Decade for Action on Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034)—have proven a key role of Tajikistan in advancing water diplomacy.

 

Tajikistan has established itself as a global leader in water diplomacy, climate resilience, and the preservation of cryospheric systems. Through its global initiatives, supported worldwide, the country demonstrates a unique combination of visionary leadership, scientific engagement, and practical regional cooperation.

 

By promoting sustainable water management, advancing climate adaptation strategies, and fostering multilateral partnerships, Tajikistan has contributed meaningfully to the collective efforts of the international community in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a secure, resilient, and prosperous future for all.

 

Furthermore, on July 25 this year, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a landmark resolution entitled the “Role of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating new opportunities for sustainable development in Central Asia,” initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan. Supported by the consensus of the UN Member States, the resolution marks a significant step toward building a global consensus on the ethical and safe use of AI, including the development of self-regulation mechanisms and responsible governance of AI technologies at the regional and national levels.

 

It also outlines key mechanisms for leveraging AI technologies to drive sustainable development across Central Asia. One of the key mechanisms proposed is the establishment of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe to coordinate joint AI implementation programs across Central Asia. This is another investment opportunity to enhance cooperation in the fields of digitalization and AI.

 

Tajikistan’s ongoing commitment to cultural and scientific diplomacy continues to showcase its rich civilizational heritage to the world. In recent years, numerous Tajik historical and cultural landmarks,  such as the ancient region of Khuttal, the Pamir Botanical Garden, the Beshai-Palangon and Romit Reserves, the Zeravshan-Karakoram and Fergana-Syrdarya ecological corridors, as well as traditional art forms like Shashmaqom, Falak, and Chakan  have been inscribed on UNESCO’s lists of invaluable tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

 

Furthermore, under Tajikistan’s initiative, commemorative events honoring luminaries Jaloliddin Balkhi and Hafez Shirazi were held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, once again drawing global attention to the nation’s rich scientific and cultural contributions.

 

To this end, in order to demonstrate these heritages, we are taking necessary measures to further develop the tourism industry, including in the areas of mountain climbing, ecotourism, and cultural, health, and wellness tourism.

 

To facilitate international tourism and attract the stakeholders, Tajikistan offers a unilateral visa-free regime for citizens of many countries, encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges.

 

Tajikistan, relying on the “open doors” foreign policy and a three-decade cooperation experience with the countries of Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East, and others, expresses its willingness to continue improving wide-range mutually beneficial relations with them at the bilateral level and within the multilateral formats.

 

To this end, we welcome the expansion of cooperation, particularly in the fields of development of “green energy,” industry, transportation, tourism, agriculture, education, health, environmental protection, attraction of investments, and trade.

 

It is with full confidence and pride that we recognize the ongoing development of the Republic of Tajikistan’s foreign policy—guided by the Concept of Foreign Policy implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—as a tangible achievement. This progress is a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication and visionary leadership of the Leader of the Nation, President H.E. Emomali Rahmon, whose commitment remains steadfast in securing a prosperous and promising future for the Tajik state and its people.