On September 16, within the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, to the Republic of Korea, a high-level meeting and talks between Tajikistan and Korea were held in Seoul.
During the meeting between the heads of state, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon and His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, the parties discussed issues related to strengthening, expanding, and further developing bilateral cooperation.
At the outset of the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to the Korean side for the invitation to pay an official visit to the Republic of Korea and to participate in the first Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” format.
Strengthening friendly relations with the Republic of Korea was described as one of the important priorities of Tajikistan’s foreign policy. The historical ties, longstanding relations of friendship, and humanitarian values shared by the peoples of the two countries were emphasized.
Active high-level and interstate dialogue was described as an important driving force behind the development of multifaceted relations between the two friendly countries.
As highlighted by Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, a solid legal framework for relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Korea has been established.
It was noted that priority in bilateral relations is being given to trade and economic cooperation, investment, industry, energy, transport and logistics, digitalization, technology and artificial intelligence, agriculture, labour migration, environmental protection, and tourism.
The need to ensure active participation of business communities, attract direct investment, and introduce advanced technologies from the Republic of Korea into Tajikistan was stressed.
The parties welcomed the First Tajikistan–Korea Critical Minerals Forum, held in Seoul in August, as well as the presentation of investment opportunities in the processing of Tajikistan’s mineral resources.
The active participation of relevant Korean institutions and investors in the implementation of Tajikistan’s strategic projects was deemed beneficial. The continuation of the third phase of the “Rural Development Project in Tajikistan,” which has been implemented in cooperation with the Republic of Korea since 2021, was also considered important.
President Emomali Rahmon highlighted Korea’s important role in implementing social programmes in Tajikistan, training highly qualified specialists, and developing human capital through educational and academic programmes and the allocation of government-funded scholarships to Tajik citizens.
In this regard, it was proposed to increase the number of these scholarships, particularly in information technology, artificial intelligence, medicine, aviation, and engineering, and to prioritize the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in tourism, including the establishment of direct flights between Tajikistan and Korea.
Financial support for the construction of the main building of the “Republican Scientific Centre of Oncology,” cooperation within the framework of the joint initiative of the countries and the Korean side’s initiative, the “Central Asia–Korea Partnership Vision for Artificial Intelligence, Science and Technology,” as well as the development and expansion of cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the tourism sector, particularly in developing tourism infrastructure, were among the important topics discussed during the high-level meeting and talks.
The meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation in combating the consequences of climate change, including the rapid melting of glaciers, implementing environmental programmes, and protecting biodiversity.
During the talks, certain issues related to the regional and global situation were also discussed.
At the conclusion of the high-level talks, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, invited President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, to visit Tajikistan at his convenience.
These include:
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Customs Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korea Customs Service on Cooperation in the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights at the Border;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation in the Field of Education;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Comprehensive Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property;
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Corruption between the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Financial Monitoring Department of the National Bank of Tajikistan and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation in the Exchange of Financial Intelligence Information concerning Money Laundering, Associated Predicate Offences, and Terrorist Financing;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation in Education and Training of Specialists in the Transport Sector;
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Railway Sector between the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea;
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Digital Forest Restoration and Climate Action between the Agency for Forestry under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korea Forest Service;
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Exports between the Export Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA);
Technical Cooperation Agreement between the State Service for Supervision of Safe Operations in Industry and Mining under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on Cooperation in the Energy Sector;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Civil Service Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Personnel Management of the Republic of Korea;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Korean National Police Agency on Cooperation.
The summit was attended by the President of the Republic of Korea, the heads of state of the Central Asian countries, and a wide range of businesspeople and investors from these countries.
During his speech at the forum, President Emomali Rahmon stated that this event provides a favorable platform for identifying ways to implement the objectives of the first Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” format.
It was noted that the forum, entitled “Cooperation and Partnership between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea for Advancing Innovation, Prosperity, and Connectivity,” can lay the foundation for a sustainable future through mutually beneficial cooperation and the creation of an atmosphere of respect and trust.
President Emomali Rahmon described the “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” format as an important foundation for cooperation that aligns with national development programs and the interests of the peoples of the participating countries.
It was emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is currently taking necessary measures to develop strategic sectors, particularly energy, transport and communications, industry, digitalization, agriculture, and tourism.
In particular, over recent years, comprehensive reforms have been implemented to strengthen macroeconomic stability, develop the private sector, support entrepreneurship, promote digitalization, and implement innovative projects.
It was stated that the country's legislation provides investors with more than 240 types of guarantees and incentives, including over 110 tax and customs benefits.
According to President Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) demonstrates that the country’s legislation complies with international standards in this area.
During his speech at the economic and business forum, the Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, presented Tajikistan’s investment opportunities, significant hydropower potential, and natural resources, including green energy, as well as opportunities in industry, agriculture, textiles, transport, tourism, banking, and finance.
It was stated that these areas of cooperation are expected to attract the interest of business communities and investors from the Republic of Korea.
In conclusion, President Emomali Rahmon expressed Tajikistan’s readiness to implement the agreements reached within the framework of today’s meetings, which will be adopted in the form of a Joint Communiqué.
At the beginning of the meeting, by decision of the University’s Academic Council, Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, was conferred an Honorary Doctorate.
In his address, the Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, expressed his gratitude to the University’s leadership and Academic Council for deeming him worthy of this high honor.
“I regard this decision as another affirmation of the commitment of our two countries to the development and expansion of friendly relations, as well as to the shared scientific and cultural values of our ancient nations,” - stated the Head of State, Emomali Rahmon.
It was emphasized that science and education, literature, and the pursuit of knowledge have constituted the foundation of the formation of the ancient civilization of the Tajik people over thousands of years. It is precisely thanks to this heritage that the Tajik people have presented the world with outstanding thinkers whose works, over the course of many centuries, have served as a driving force for the advancement of science and culture in both the East and the West.
It was noted that our ancestors made a significant contribution to the development of human civilization through their literary and philosophical heritage and scientific discoveries in the fields of exact sciences, including mathematics, astronomy, natural sciences, medicine, chemistry, geography, agriculture and irrigation, and architecture.
President of the country, Emomali Rahmon, spoke about the measures undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to create favorable conditions for scientific and educational development in the country.
In particular, it was highlighted that, as a result of measures implemented in this area, over the 35 years of independence, the number of higher education institutions in our country has increased from 13 to 51, while the number of students enrolled in them has risen from 70,000 to 230,000.
The Head of State stated that we consistently create the necessary conditions and opportunities for young people to pursue education and professional training abroad. Currently, more than 40,000 young people from Tajikistan are studying science, acquiring knowledge, and learning modern professions at higher education institutions in nearly 50 countries around the world, including the Republic of Korea.
“We are interested in continuing cooperation with Korea University and other higher education institutions in your country, as well as in strengthening and expanding academic exchanges and implementing joint scientific and research projects,” - stated President of the country, Emomali Rahmon.
During his address, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon also spoke about the key stages in the development of Tajikistan’s foreign policy and the process of expanding friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our country and the Republic of Korea.
It was noted that our countries are united by positive traditions of partnership founded on the principles of goodwill toward one another, mutual understanding, mutual respect, and trust. Next year, we will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.
In this context, the role of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in the consistent strengthening and expansion of ongoing partnership processes between our countries was stressed.
Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, identified the strengthening and expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties, particularly in the areas of human resource development and healthcare, as important aspects of relations between the two countries.
It was emphasized that we attach particular importance to expanding cooperation in the fields of higher education and academic exchange.
It was noted that friendly Korea annually provides scholarships and educational grants for Tajik youth to study at its universities. Currently, more than 350 students from our country are studying in the Republic of Korea, including at Korea University, and the number of applicants wishing to study at universities in this friendly country continues to increase year by year.
The establishment of Korean language learning centers at eight universities in Tajikistan and the development of direct cooperation ties between higher education institutions of the two countries were identified as important achievements in this area in recent years.
In concluding his speech, President Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that the further expansion of cooperation between our countries in the fields of science and education would lay a solid foundation for the training of a new generation of specialists capable of competing in the modern world.
In the courtyard of Korea University, Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, held a cordial conversation with a group of fortunate young people of the independence era who are pursuing their studies at universities in Korea.
The Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, encouraged them to make effective use of their educational opportunities, master foreign languages, and maintain high standards of conduct and discipline.
