A reception was held in Ankara to mark the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Sodik Ashurboyzoda Imomi, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and numerous guests attended the event.
The reception began with the national anthems of Türkiye and Tajikistan.
Emphasis on Türkiye-Tajikistan relations
In his speech, İbrahim Yumaklı said Türkiye and Tajikistan were two brotherly countries connected by historical and cultural ties.
Yumaklı said Central Asia had become one of the centers of global politics and stated that they viewed Tajikistan as a reliable friend in the region and a partner with whom they could work toward a shared future.
Yumaklı said relations between the two countries had developed across many areas, from agriculture to health, energy to infrastructure, education to the defense industry, and noted that these ties needed to be strengthened and institutionalized further.
Goal of $1 billion in trade volume
Yumaklı said progress had been made in Türkiye-Tajikistan commercial and political relations, adding that the total trade volume, expected to reach $609 million in 2025, was intended to rise to $1 billion in a short period in line with the goal announced by the presidents of the two countries.
Tajikistan’s foreign policy priorities
Ambassador Sodik Ashurboyzoda Imomi said that 35 years ago, the people of Tajikistan chose the path of establishing a sovereign and independent state, determining their historical future.
Imomi said Tajikistan was resolutely pursuing a peaceful and multilateral foreign policy, contributing to the strengthening of regional stability, the development of good-neighborly relations and the advancement of issues such as water resources, climate change, sustainable development and glacier preservation on the international agenda.
Imomi said Türkiye held a special place in Tajikistan’s foreign policy and noted that relations were shaped not only by historical 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 been established over the past period, adding that 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 volume to $1 billion and thanked Türkiye for its continued support for developing friendly relations with Tajikistan.
After the official program concluded, guests were served dishes from Tajik cuisine.
