On May 25, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fundamental Russian-Tajik document “Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Russia and Tajikistan”. Exactly 30 years ago, on May 25, 1993, this document was signed between the two states, defining the basic principles of strategic partnership.
Based on this agreement, the parties agreed to build their relations as friendly states, consistently guided by the principles of mutual respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-use of force or threat of force, including economic and other methods of pressure, equality and non-interference in internal affairs, respect and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, conscientious fulfillment of obligations, as well as other generally recognized norms of international law.
Over the 30 years since the signing of the above-mentioned agreement, Tajikistan and Russia have gained significant experience in interstate cooperation in the economic, military-political and humanitarian spheres, developed a solid legal framework and formed appropriate institutional mechanisms for cooperation. The Russian Federation occupies one of the main places in the system of foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Tajikistan and, in turn, Tajikistan is one of Russia’s key partners in the region.
The Republic of Tajikistan considers and develops bilateral relations with the Russian Federation from a strategic and long-term point of view, in an atmosphere of mutual trust. Practice shows that Tajikistan is a reliable partner and friend of Russia in this regard. For Russia, the geographical position of Tajikistan itself is of unique strategic importance. If, on the one hand, our country plays an important role to ensure reliable protection of its southern borders from the penetration of terrorist and extremist groups, on the other hand, taking into account the imposed sanctions, intensively develops the liberated Russian market with the supply of manufactured agricultural products, opens through its Southern Corridor for the flow of goods towards the market of a number of Asian countries.
Economic cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Russian Federation is based not only on mutual trust and friendship between the two states, but also adheres to market rules. However, the current state of economic cooperation does not fully satisfy the parties, and in this regard they are looking for ways to eliminate some specific obstacles in this direction. After the visit of Prime Minister Mishustin M. efforts in this direction have intensified, which has given a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure construction, mining, healthcare, education, and etc.
The events related to SMO disrupted the logistics chains of cargo transportation from the Republic of Tajikistan to world markets mainly through russian transport routes. Tajikistan had to intensively explore alternative ways to get out of the current situation. Now many goods that were previously supplied to Western markets and imported goods to our market from these countries go through the caucasian roads. The development of the southern direction provided Tajikistan with the opportunity to export goods to the ports of Southeast Asia and the Middle East. That is, the above mentioned events led to a change in the route of cargo flows.
Economic cooperation between our countries is based on mutually beneficial results. Today, taking into account the needs of the Russian market in agricultural products, our farms intensively supply their goods there. In turn, direct relations between the subjects of the Russian Federation and with their Tajik partners are being established today. For example, more than 60% of the products of the Tomsk Region alone enter the Central Asian market.
Our migrants, working in Russia, support not only their families at home, but also contribute to the construction and renovation of social infrastructures in Russia, and in general to the economy of this state. Recently, we held a seminar on the problems of relations with compatriots, and it was noted that our migrants sent 2.6 billion dollars to their homeland, and their contribution to Russia’s GDP is 1.3%. Only the amount for patents paid by them in 2019 was $ 205 million. This was also noted by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko on the sidelines of the opening of the II Central Asian Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club as follows: «Indeed, Russia is a large market in which there is interest. Not only because it makes opportunity to help the Central Asian states in some way, but also according to a number of experts, about 8% of Russia’s GDP is created by migrant workers,» noted the deputy foreign Minister.
One of the serious threats to the economy of the Republic of Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries remains an increase in inflation, an increase in energy prices and, consequently, their impact on food security. Due to the circumstances, the Government is clearly aware of the need to develop mechanisms for flexible management of the country’s economy. In this aspect, the work of the externally created working group on finding ways to reduce the negative impact of sanctions on the economy of the Republic of Tajikistan is encouraging. Although, given the continuing high degree of uncertainty, it is, of course, impossible to completely eliminate these factors, but a set of tools is constantly being developed by the Republic of Tajikistan to maintain its economic stability specifically and in relation to the current situations.
In general, there is a space of opportunities to strengthen economic ties with the Russian Federation according to the goals outlined by the results of Mr. M. Mishchustin’s visit to Dushanbe with the Republic of Tajikistan. For example, in comparison with other countries, the level of investment of the Russian Federation in the economy of Tajikistan needs to be strengthened. The application of efforts in this direction will not only benefit both states and their nations, but will also become a positive factor for the economic development of the two brotherhood countries. Tajikistan intends to further enhance cooperation with Russia within the framework of multilateral and bilateral agreements and interactions.
Usmonzoda Khayridin,
Director of the Center for strategic research
under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
