A large government delegation of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister, Rustam Azimov, is expected to arrive in Dushanbe on December 26 for participation in the session of the Tajik-Uzbek intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation.
Co-chaired by Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister, Rustam Azimov and Tajik First Deputy Prime Minister, Davlatali Said, the session is expected to discuss state and prospects of expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
The session participants will also discuss issues related to easing visa regime and resuming road and rail links between the two countries.
A number of new border crossing points will be opened along Tajikistan’s border with Uzbekistan.
The session will also discuss steps to establish cooperation between the customs services of the two countries.
Uzbekistan imposed visa regime for Tajik nationals in September 2000.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are also expected to reach an agreement on exchange of students.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in late November signed an agreement to resume flights between the two countries for the first time in 24 years. Under the agreement there will be twice-a-week flights between Dushanbe and Tashkent serviced by Uzbekistan Airlines and Tajikistan’s Somon Air. On the same day, an Uzbek charter plane made a flight to Dushanbe, with the service due to begin operating regularly in January.
Uzbek Foreign Minister Komilov traveled to Tajikistan on September 29 and met with President Emomali Rahmon to discuss renewing the rail and air links, and economic ties in genera, between the two countries. Flights between Tashkent and Dushanbe were suspended in 1992.
Minister Komilov did mention he hoped the two countries could find a fair and mutually advantageous solution to water and energy problems.
