Your Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Your Highnesses, Excellencies and Distinguished Guests,
It gives me great pleasure and honor to welcome you all to this reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Riyadh on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.
For the people of Tajikistan, independence is not merely a national occasion; it is the greatest historic achievement that opened the way for our country to build a modern state, consolidate its national identity, and revive its historic legacy and glory.
Distinguished Guests,
On 9 September 1991, Tajikistan declared its independence, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its modern history, founded on the building of an independent national state, safeguarding sovereignty, achieving development and prosperity, and keeping pace with the rapid transformations of the contemporary world.
Today, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of this historic event, we recall with great pride the journey of our state and people, along with the remarkable transformations and achievements that our country has witnessed over these decades across various fields.
At the dawn of its independence, Tajikistan faced grave challenges. However, the wisdom of its visionary leader, His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon, and the determination of its people enabled the country to overcome that difficult period and reach peace and stability.
During the years of independence, Tajikistan has witnessed tangible progress in infrastructure, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, education, healthcare, the “green economy”, digitalization, innovation, and many other vital sectors.
Guided by the vision and directives of His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon, our country continues to advance the implementation of the National Development Strategy until 2030, alongside a number of long- and medium-term programs and strategies.
Distinguished Guests,
Tajikistan has consistently sought to complement its national development with an active and responsible international role, becoming one of the leading countries in advancing the global agenda on water, climate, glacier preservation, peace, security and artificial intelligence.
In May of this year, Dushanbe hosted the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,” thereby continuing the “Dushanbe Water Process,” which has become an important platform for international dialogue and partnership on water, climate, and development issues.
Drawing upon our national experience in achieving peace and reconciliation, His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon put forward the initiative to proclaim 2027–2036 as the “International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations.” This initiative was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly this year and reflects our country’s conviction that dialogue represents the best path toward building a secure and stable future.
In addition, based on initiatives put forward by Tajikistan, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted, among other initiatives, the proclamation of 2027 as the “International Year of Legal Literacy” and 31 August of each year as the “International Day of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence,” as well as a United Nations resolution on the “Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.”
Distinguished Guests,
The cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies a special place in our foreign policy. These relations are founded on mutual respect, trust, shared interests, fraternal ties, and common spiritual, cultural, and civilizational bonds. We also highly value and appreciate the significant contributions made by the people of Tajikistan throughout history to the advancement of human civilization and the dissemination of noble Islamic culture and values, which continue to be recognized and commended by the leadership and people of the brotherly Kingdom.
While highly appreciating the steady development of relations between our two countries, we look forward to further expanding our partnership in the fields of economy, trade, investment and tourism. We also commend the decisions, recommendations, and outcomes of the recent meetings of the Tajik-Saudi Intergovernmental Joint Commission.
We also attach great importance to the role of the private sector and the Tajik-Saudi Business Council in further strengthening economic, trade, investment, and tourism relations between our two countries.
Speaking of Tajik-Saudi relations, I would also like to highlight the close coordination and cooperation between our two countries within international and regional organizations and forums, reflecting the convergence of our views and positions on many issues of common interest.
In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Tajikistan has recently submitted its application to join the Global Water Organization (GWO) and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as an associate member. These are two international organizations established through generous initiatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and which have received broad international support and attention.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From this podium, I have the honor to extend my highest appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (may Allah preserve them) for their support for and keen attention to Tajik-Saudi relations.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its excellent cooperation and continued support to the Embassy in performing its duties.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Diplomatic Quarter Administration for the support it has provided in helping us celebrate this cherished national occasion.
Our appreciation and thanks are extended to the sponsor of this reception, Ingaz International Group, for its generous support and hospitality. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Suwaih, Chief Executive Officer of the Group and Chairman of the Saudi-Tajik Business Council.
Thank you, Your Highnesses, Excellencies, and Distinguished Guests, for accepting our invitation and joining us on this cherished national occasion.
And thank you, Your Highness, for being with us today.
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the independence of Tajikistan, I wish our beloved homeland and the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lasting peace and security, and continued progress and prosperity.
I will conclude my remarks with these two verses describing my beloved country, Tajikistan:
طاجِيكِسْتَانُ إِلَى العَلْيَاءِ سَائِرَةٌ ** بِالعَزْمِ، وَالمَجْدُ فِي أَرْجَائِهَا يَزْدَانُ
تَمْضِي بِحِكْمَةِ قَائِدٍ مقدامٍ ** إِمَامِ عَلِيٍّ، وَدَرْبُ العِزِّ عُنْوَانُ
FORWARD, TAJIKISTAN!!!
TAJIKISTAN, BA PESH!!!
ТОҶИКИСТОН, БА ПЕШ!!!
Thank you for your attention
