In modern conditions, taking into account the impact of globalization processes and the unprecedented transformation of political, economic, cultural and social processes, the question of keeping up with the times is one of the most important issues of internal and foreign policy of countries. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, especially its head, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon, with a deep understanding of the situation in the region and the world, pays special attention to the main directions of further development of the country.
This attention and efforts to ensure the long-term development of the country are clearly expressed in the Leader of the Nation’s annual Addresses.
Currently, in Tajikistan, the annual Addresses of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Majlisi Oli is an important tool for analyzing and discussing political, economical and cultural issues, and determining the further development of related directions in the country. The President’s Address to Parliament covers the development of the most relevant shortcomings in various sectors and the ways to solve them, as well as the prospects for the country’s development.
The annual Addresses of the Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon to the Majlisi Oli are an excellent and fair example of the report of the head of state to the people of the country on the annual activities of the government, testifying to the origin of the ancient and historically statesmanlike Tajik nation. The strategic thinking of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, as well as his high sense of responsibility and dedication to his people are reflected in the annual Addresses.
In this regard, this article will consider the direction of the country’s foreign policy in this year’s address of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon on major dimensions of domestic and foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan which took place on 28, December 2024 in the new building of the highest legislative body of the country—Majlisi Oli.
First of all, it should be noted that over more than three decades, the Republic of Tajikistan has achieved great success in its foreign policy. Today, Tajikistan has established diplomatic relations with 184 countries of the world. The «open door» approach implemented by the Republic of Tajikistan in its foreign policy is based on the establishment and promotion of friendly relations, good neighborliness, partnership, mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign countries, international and regional organizations, and also by international financial institutions.
The Republic of Tajikistan, thanks to the consistent implementation of its foreign policy, has made a significant contribution to the consideration and solution of various global problems to this day.
In his Address, the Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon noted that the fight against terrorism and extremism are considered as a priority area as these phenomena have turned into the global threat and now alarming the whole humanity. Given these circumstances, in May 2018 with the initiative of Tajikistan and in cooperation with the United Nations and other organizations and countries there was held a High-Level International Conference entitled “Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism” that was recognized as the “Dushanbe Counter-Terrorism Process”. In this gathering, Tajikistan expressed its firm position on establishing comprehensive and coordinated international cooperation.
Moreover, international community is still on the path of seeking appropriate ways of addressing global threats related to climate change.
Taking these factors into account, the country needs to strengthen its efforts in cooperation with the international community in the course of its foreign policy in order to achieve constructive goals of maintaining peace and stability and expanding multilateral cooperation.
It’s important to emphasize that, active participation in global processes in order to solve topical issues of humanity is one of the priorities of Tajikistan’s foreign policy. Consequently, in June 2024 there was held the 3rd Dushanbe International Water Conference, which testifies to the enormous contribution of our country to solving global water problems and represented our country in a special way.
At the same time, as a continuation of its creative initiatives in the international arena to promote water and climate issues, in 2025, in cooperation with the United Nations, the Republic of Tajikistan will host the first High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation.
In this regard, the Head of the country stressed that we should continue cooperation in the field of water and glaciers’ preservation, addressing of effects of climate change and reduction of natural disaster risks within the existing possibilities, and undertake necessary measures to enhance international cooperation in the format of the “Dushanbe Water Process”.
At the same time, it was also instructed that our country’s strategy in developing and expanding relations with the Central Asian States will continue to be based on good faith and sincerity in order to promote an atmosphere of peace and stability and ensure joint development and progress in the region.
It was also noted that Tajikistan considers the expansion of relations with the member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States to be its foreign policy priority and in the context of the «open door» foreign policy and the experience of more than three decades of cooperation with the countries of Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East and other states expresses its willingness to continue improving wide-ranging relations with them both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, especially in the areas of the development of the «green economy», environmental protection, new technologies, attracting investments and trade.
At the same time, the Head of state especially emphasized that issues related to the protection of the rights and freedoms, dignity and interests of Tajik citizens abroad are the priority tasks of the state.
In this case, the Republic of Tajikistan will expand constructive and promising cooperation in the framework of international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, international financial institutions and development partners. Also Tajikistan will further enhance its relationships with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Commonwealth of Independent States, Collective Security Treaty Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization and other structures of multilateral collaboration, and strives to continue its active engagement in the global processes and various international platforms.
Thus, in today’s Address by the Head of State, Tajikistan’s achievements in recent years were outlined, especially over the past five years, and the Head of State stressed that necessary measures would also be taken to achieve the goals set and expand constructive and long-term cooperation with all countries of the world and international partners.
In conclusion, the today’s Address of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Majlisi Oli is aimed at defining the main directions of internal and foreign policy of the country. Also, it is considered as the important analytical, political, guiding and forward-looking document for the active work of government agencies and the entire people of Tajikistan, laying a solid foundation for expanding and strengthening international relations in all directions, ensuring progress, eliminating existing shortcomings and achieving goals.
Zaripova Zilola Komilovna,
Leading specialist оf the Department of Analysis
and Forecasting of Foreign Policy
оf the Center for Strategic Research under
the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
