The Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States held its summit in Dushanbe today. The summit took place in the city residence of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Before the session, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon greeted the leaders of the Organisation's member states, in particular, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Purli Agamyradow and Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee – Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev.

After a joint photo session, the CIS Council of Heads of State under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan began in a narrow-format meeting, followed by an expanded meeting joined by the heads of delegations.

During the summit, the participants exchanged views on issues of CIS cooperation, in particular, the summing up of the result of the Tajikistan Chairmanship in Commonwealth and other item agenda included ensuring security and taking urgent action to combat terrorism, extremism, illegal drug trade and arms trafficking, solving security problems at the Commonwealth southern borders. It was decided to pass on the CIS presidency 2019 to Turkmenistan.

It was noted that during the chairmanship of the Republic of Tajikistan to the CIS, special attention was paid to developing cooperation in the fields of science, education, youth policy, healthcare, sports and tourism.

In this period by the support of the Commonwealth member states a set of documents has been prepared and appropriate decisions were taken to develop the humanitarian partnership.

During the meeting, the leaders of CIS member states expressed deep appreciation to Tajikistan for its effective work during presidency in the Commonwealth and expressed their gratitude to the Tajikistani side for the warm welcome and excellent organisation of the summit.

The summit was also addressed by the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee – Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev and Valentina Matvienko, the Chairperson of the IPA CIS Council Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation parliament.

The documents signed include Convention on Cooperation in Exploration and Peaceful Use of Outer Space and on the preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Statement of the heads of the CIS member states on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and on the implementation in 2021 of the interstate program of cultural capital of the Commonwealth in Tajikistan.

On declaring 2021 as the Year of Architecture and Town Planning in the CIS and on the interstate program of joint measures to combat crime for 2019-2023.

Agreement on cooperation of the CIS member states in the fight against crimes in the field of information technology and on amending the provision on the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states.

On introducing amendments and additions to the provision on the Antiterrorist Center of the CIS member states and on the head of the Antiterrorist Center of the CIS member states.

On the chairman of the coordination committee on air defense under the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states and on the statement of heads of the states-participants of the CIS about the World Nomad Games.

On the statement of the heads of the CIS member states to the 90th anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov.

In the Palace of the Nation, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks with the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

During the meeting the parties discussed the state of bilateral Tajikistani – Russian strategic partnership and its development prospects.

The President of Russian Federation expressed his gratitude to the Tajikistani side and to President of Tajikistan for the warm welcome and excellent organisation of the CIS summit.

The head of state Emomali Rahmon stressed that "we attach great importance to the further strengthening of the Tajikistani - Russian cooperation" and added that "Russia is our key strategic partner among our foreign policy priorities".

The meeting focused on the strengthening of bilateral relationship between Tajikistan and Russia in the field of trade and economy, energy, mining and metallurgy, agriculture, science and education.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the considerable increase in bilateral trade turnover between the two countries and have reaffirmed their commitment to elevate its volume while named timely the implementation of the made decisions of the Tajikistani – Russian inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation.

During the meeting they affirmed their readiness to increase supplies of environmentally healthy fruit and vegetables on the Russian market.

During the discussion of cultural issues, it was noted that the scientific and cultural circles of the two states have established close cooperation, regularly participate in joint scientific and cultural events. The sides expressed their readiness on holding of Culture Days of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Russian Federation in October this year.

Particular attention was paid to the construction of new secondary schools in Tajikistan with Russian-language lessons and providing our educational institutions with teachers of Russian language.

The heads of state also exchanged views on prospects for the development of cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres.

During the discussion of international issues, special attention was paid to cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.

Other issues being of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin returned back home after CIS Heads of State Council in Dushanbe.

The honorable guest was seen off as a sign of high respect at the Dushanbe International Airport by President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

On 24 September 2018 in New York on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly there was held a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin and the Assistant Secretary of the US State Department for South and Central Asia Ms. Alice Wells.

At the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral issues and strengthening of cooperation within the framework of the C5 + 1. The parties also exchanged views on the issues of the regional security and development of trade and economic ties between the two countries.

The summit of the Heads of the States-founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) took place in the Avaza tourism zone in the city of Turkmenbashi.

After an official photo session, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a restricted meeting, which was later followed by an expanded session with the members of the delegations.

The IFAS leaders discussed the environmental issues of water and water management in the region and identified areas for future collaboration and joint action in this direction.

In his address the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon noted that "Thanks to joint and coordinated actions within the framework of the Fund, we were able to draw the attention of the international community to the problems of the Aral Sea basin, established cooperation with international and regional organizations, financial institutions and donor countries, resource-mobilization approach for various projects and programs aimed at mitigating consequences of the Aral crisis".

In this context, it was pointed out that a billion dollars have been spent over the past period in Tajikistan for the implementation of water and environment management projects and programs.

"Today we are faced with a number of problems that our countries need to collaborate in their solution," the President of Tajikistan said in his address.

Issues facing the future are the trends in global population growth and climate change, intensive rural land uses and high volume of water losses, product development, which together lead to a reduction in the total volume of water resources and increase in water consumption.

It should be noted that over the past few decades, Tajikistan has lost more than 30% of the total volume of glaciers, including about 1,000 small and medium-sized glaciers.

As a result of these phenomena, the indicators of water supply per capita in our region have decreased 4 times compared to the indicators of the 1960s.

Given the acceleration of population growth and the demand for water in the region, the head of state once again pointed Tajikistan's initiative regarding rational use of freshwater-lake resources of mountain lake “Sarez” to improve the supply of drinking water to the countries of the region on a long-term period.

It was suggested that this proposal be considered taking into account that the health of the population of the region is closely related to drinking-water quality.

Moreover, in his address, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dwelled in detail on the increases in weather and climate extremes leading to natural disasters causing enormous financial losses and human casualties.

The head of our state noted that "Over the past 20 years in Tajikistan, the natural disasters damage associated with water resources cost to several billion U.S. dollars and the losses among the population exceeded one thousand people” and added that "continuation of disaster scenario has very serious consequences, which requires us to take urgent measures to adapt to the harsh climate change and sustainable management of water resources".

In this context, the President of Tajikistan pointed regarding initiative of Tajikistan on International Decade of Action "Water for Sustainable Development", 2018-2028, which, like the previous three global water initiatives, aims to contribute to the achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals for water and beyond.

It was hoped that the Fund and its structures would use the Platform for the New Decade to achieve these goals and objectives, both at the national and regional levels.

Concluding address, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon proposed a number of measures the adoption of which could help solve the existing problems in the region related to water management, ecology and socio-economic situation.

In particular, it was pointed out that the formation of IFAS structure and its normative legal documents in order to adapt them to today's realities and the relevance of the construction of small and medium-scale hydropower plants with reservoirs would contribute to water supply conservation measures for short and long-term period, especially in low-water years as well as reduce the disaster risk associated with water.

In this context, it was noted that hydropower, as one of the main renewable energy sources, simultaneously ensures the successful promotion of the green economy.

It was stressed that almost 98% of electricity is produced by hydroelectric power stations that make up the Tajikistan rankings at the sixth place in the world.

At the end, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for the high level of organization of the meeting and traditional hospitality.

After the meeting, the heads of state summed up the results of the forum at a press conference with the participation of a wide range of journalists.

On August 24, 2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow on the sidelines of the summit of the heads of the states-founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

The two presidents addressed ways of improving the working methods of the IFAS’ structure and its normative legal documents. They noted the importance of strengthening cooperation with financial organizations and donors for the sake of solving regional problems.

The sides expressed their satisfaction with the process of constant high-level dialogue and the state of relations between the two countries, which are developing significantly.

Tajikistani – Turkmenistani cooperation in the fields of transportation, energy, light industry and processing industries, agriculture, industry, trade, economy, air communication, scientific, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as healthcare and tourism were commended as priority areas of bilateral relations.

Concluding talks, it was expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation based on the good traditions of friendship and brotherhood will continue to develop for the benefit of the peoples in the future.

On August 17, 2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived in the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Tashkent on a state visit.

At the Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, distinguished guest – President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was warmly welcomed with deep respect by the head of the host country - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport was festively decorated with colourful banners inscribed by slogans on friendship of peoples of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Prior to the Tajikistani – Uzbekistani summit talks, President of our country Emomali Rahmon laid a wreath on the Monument of Independence and Humanism as a sign of respect to the history and culture of the Uzbek people.

At the wreath-laying ceremony the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was accompanied by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Novruz Ismail oglu Mamedov.

The parties discussed the most important issues related to the Tajikistani – Azerbaijani intergovernmental cooperation in the spheres of economy, trade, transport and transport infrastructure, hydropower, agriculture, communications, science and education, culture and tourism.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of intergovernmental cooperation in bilateral and multilateral format and agreed to keep high-level contacts to boost the activity of Tajikistani – Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Both sides agreed to facilitate direct links between business circles of the two countries in participation in exhibitions of goods, forums held on the territories of their states.

A number of recommendations were made on attracting Azerbaijan's investments in the economy of Tajikistan, strengthening cooperation between the Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO) and Azerbaijan State Oil Company SOCAR.

During the discussions on international affairs the sides reaffirmed their commitment on fight against terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, organized crimes and other deadly threats of the modern world.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had talks with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev within the framework of his official visit to Azerbaijan.

The official ceremony to welcome the President of Tajikistan took place on the square in front of the Zagulba Palace prior to the meeting of the two leaders.

Following the official welcoming ceremony, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had a one-on-one discussion. Later the talks continued in an expanded format.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude for the invitation and warm reception accorded to him and to the Tajikistan delegation by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and noted with satisfaction the level of cooperation achieved in multidimensional cooperation between the two states.

The Tajikistani side expressed interest in developing and expanding cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. Both sides expressed their confidence that the agreements reached in today’s negotiations would raise the multifaceted partnership to higher stages of growth.

Tajikistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed continued commitment to further deepening cooperationin all fields of mutual interest in accordance with the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries. It was stressed that Tajikistan and Azerbaijan have a single or identical position on many regional and international issues.

The parties expressed their mutual interest in developing of bilateral and multilateral cooperation within the framework of the UN, OSCE, CIS, OIC, ECO and other regional and international organizations.

It was stressed that regular high-level political dialogues and the existence of an atmosphere of mutual trust create favorable conditions for the steady development of interstate relations in all spheres and prove the unity and identity of the positions of the sides on most regional and international issues.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stressed that both countries are interested in the development and expansion of international relations and invariably support each other’s international initiatives. In this context, Tajikistani side extended its greeting to Azerbaijani side for supporting global initiative of Tajikistan related to International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028.

Economic cooperation drives as the core of inter-state integration of Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, and the parties affirmed their interest in developing relations in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres within the framework of the work of the Tajikistani – Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment onattraction of companies and financial organizations of Azerbaijan in the implementation of joint projects in the areas of trade, construction, transportation, telecommunications, industry, agriculture, energy and petroleum products.

In this context, it was considered important the conducting of Tajik – Azerbaijani Business Circles’ Forum and goods exhibitions.

A number of useful proposals were made to enhance cooperation in the field of road transportation, cargo transportation, aluminum enterprises, oil and gas companies.

The two sides considered necessity of the implementation of projects for the construction of the small and medium-sized hydropower plants as well as production and processing of mining metals.

There was also an interest in the development of cooperation between the TALCO Enterprise of Tajikistan and the Azeralumin Company, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

The sides also agreed to cooperate in principle in concrete projects, in promising spheres likepurchase of petroleum coke, alumina, fuel, construction of small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations, highways, extraction and processing of minerals, ensuring food security, attraction of investments in the economy of Tajikistan.

The sides agreed to improvecooperation in the spheres of air communication, agriculture, ensuring food security, tourism, science, education and culturein order to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Tourism, cultural and humanitarian ties, science and education, student exchange program, allocation of quotas for study in universities of both countries were considered as promising areas of bilateral cooperation.

The sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan, fight against terrorism and violent extremism, drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes.

The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan EmomaliRahmon invited the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to visit Tajikistan at any time convenient for him.

Following the talks, a Joint Statement of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted and twelveinterdepartmental and corporate documents were signed in the presence of EmomaliRahmon and Ilham Aliyev.

In particular,

Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the State Unitary Enterprise “Tajik Aluminum Company” (TALCO) and “Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation” (AIC).

Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Committee on Television and Radio broadcasting under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company.

Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the State Unitary Enterprise “Tajik Aluminum Company” (TALCO) and State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic on delivery of petroleum coke.

Agreements on cooperation between the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Republic on training of servicemen of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan at the Academy of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Agreement on cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of veterinary medicine.

Protocol of cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the mutual allocation of annual educational quotas;

Agreement on cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of industry and new technologies;

Agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Agreement on cooperation between the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Program on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2020.

EmomaliRahmon and Ilham Aliyev held a joint press conference.

On August 9, 2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived on an official visit to the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Baku.

Upon his arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport the distinguished guest – head of Tajikistan’s state Emomali Rahmon was welcomed by the representatives of the government of Azerbaijan.

During the official visit, the President of our country Emomali Rahmon will hold talks with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and other officials to address current state and prospects for further developing of bilateral relations.

It should be noted that the official visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the Republic of Azerbaijan was held on June 12, 2012. In the context of that visit following discussion of the issues of friendship relations 10 cooperation documents were signed.

In the framework of his working visit to the Kazakh capital Astana, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the presentation of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov attended the presentation of AIFC ceremony.

The President of the country, Emomali Rahmon, congratulated the leadership of the state and government, as well as the people of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of conferring Astana as a status of the capital and launching of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) and wished the state and people of the friendly country further prosperity and development.

The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) is an important step in implementing the advanced mechanisms of financial support and development of the region. The creation of the Center was regarded as important for attracting foreign investment and international financial companies for the development of the economies of the countries of the region.

AIFC in the near future as an important and real financial infrastructure will be able to make a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of the countries of the region.

On the sidelines of his participation in the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Kazakhstan capital's transfer to Astana, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The discussion focused, in particular, on topical issues of Tajikistani – Uzbekistani relations and its prospect in the areas of common interest.

President was particularly pleased at the opportunity of meeting with his colleague in the context of the implementing of reached agreements following the results of the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Tajikistan that took place in March 2018 with the aim of developing and expanding wide-ranging cooperation, friendship and good neighborliness.

During the meeting the two sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in strengthening their countries’ fruitful ties. The implementation of unused opportunities in the interests of the people was also discussed.

Other issues being of mutual interest were considered during the conversation.

FINAL DECLARATION PROMOTING ACTION AND POLICY DIALOGUE Dushanbe, Tajikistan 20-21 June 2018

The High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, met in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20-21 June 2018, to discuss how to achieve the objectives of the Decade, contained in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 71/222 of 21 December 2016, in order to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Heads of State and Government, ministers and other high-level dignitaries took part in this historical gathering together with representatives of international and regional organizations, local governments, civil society, the private sector and academia. The Conference also provided a timely and necessary platform for elaborating recommendations in the run-up of the next session of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development where, among other issues, the Sustainable Development Goal 6 to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” will be discussed. The Conference built on the outcomes of the Eighth World Water Forum, the High-Level Panel on Water, the Water for Life Decade and other major water-related events and platforms at the global and regional level. 

We, the participating representatives of states and organizations, 

Recalling the United Nations General Assembly resolution 71/222 of 21 December 2016, by which it proclaimed the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028,

Recalling also the United Nations General Assembly resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015, entitled “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which reiterates the importance of “ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” as a Sustainable Development Goal to be achieved by 2030, the underpinning importance of water related issues in other goals and targets in order to reach the overall Agenda and the centrality of the “No One Left Behind” principle,

Recalling further resolutions 68/157 of 18 December 2013 on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and 70/169 of 17 December 2015 on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation of the United Nations General Assembly,

Taking note the efforts and extensive work carried out by the High-Level Panel on Water,

Acknowledging the additional challenges facing countries with water scarcity and concerned with the impacts of such challenges, including inter alia their ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,

Highlighting the challenge of rapid population growth, water in disaster risk reduction, mitigating and adapting to climate change and ensuring ecosystem protection, particularly of head watersheds in mountain areas, wetlands, deltas and in coastal zones, to increase the resilience of communities, and noting that such actions can contribute, as applicable, to the implementation of the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement in the framework of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change and relevant multilateral environmental agreements,

Stressing the need to manage in an integrated and sustainable manner water resources along the water, food, energy and environment nexus, from source to sea, including by promoting the concept of circular economy and other relevant solutions to reduce, recycle and safely reuse water,

Expressing concern about the current and projected effects of climate change on water resources and sanitation challenges, as well as the pathogens, nutrients and emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and microplastics, that are threatening human health and the quality of surface and groundwater,

Bearing in mind the need to implement integrated urban water management, including sustainable waste management systems, in line with the New Urban Agenda, as part of Integrated Water Resource Management, by implementing inter alia nature-based and decentralized wastewater management solutions, as well as improved rainwater management and harvesting,

Recognizing that, according to Sustainable Development Goal 6 Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation, the world is not on track to achieve water-related Sustainable Development Goals and targets at the global level by 2030 at the current rate of progress,

Recognizing that effective lake and river basin organizations, water planning and target setting at appropriate levels, including of drinking water supply and sanitation safety, are key to the sustainable management of water resources, coordination of actors at the resource scale, development of infrastructure and benefit sharing, as well as to the harmonizing of the national and basin wide development agendas and that parliamentarians and citizens make an important contribution to water governance alongside national governments, as well as regional and local authorities, as applicable,

Singling out the disproportionate burden carried by many women and girls for water collection and use, their specific needs of safe water and sanitation facilities, their key role for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, their insufficient representation in water-related decision-making processes and among water professionals at all levels and the need to create an enabling environment to address these issues,

Conscious of the importance of ensuring water access for civilians and protecting civilian water infrastructure and service delivery in the event of conflicts and natural disasters, as well as for refugee and migrant populations living in informal or inadequate housing,

Looking forward to the Mid-Term Review of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, as an important milestone to be focused on the goals of the Decade and water-related Sustainable Development Goals and targets,
Noting the ongoing efforts by UN-Water in responding to the expectations of the international community, supporting the monitoring of the SDG 6 targets and providing coordination among its membership,

Also noting the possibility to create an International Center for the Water Action Decade in Dushanbe with the support of the Government of Tajikistan and other interested parties to sustain the process towards implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, and the organization of Water Action Decade Conferences,

Hereby reiterate our determination to achieve the objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, and declare to:

Promote, at the local, national, regional and global levels, opportunities for public and private investment in infrastructure, including through the development of innovative financial instruments and mechanisms and seek to increase the efficiency of investment to conserve and sustainably manage freshwater, wastewater and water contained in soil and vegetation and support community-based efforts and to develop non-conventional water uses, such as recycling drainage and treated wastewater and desalination;

Strengthen the capacities, resources and skillsets, as well as improve knowledge generation and exchange of practices, to support national and local governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in those countries and for those people furthest behind, especially when suffering from water scarcity;

Make concentrated efforts to build innovative, robust, flexible and fair systems for water management, to increase water use efficiency and productivity, particularly in agriculture, energy, tourism, urban development and industry, to better appreciate the value of water and associated ecosystem services, to reduce emissions and the transport of hazardous substances and to take into consideration the serious impacts on the quality and availability of water resources caused from extractive activities, stressing the need for dialogue to implement Integrated Water Resource Management solutions and intersectoral approaches from source-to-sea at all levels;

Commit to reduce inequalities in access to safe drinking water and sanitation service provision, which are basic human needs that are essential for the health and well-being of families, communities and countries and should always be affordable, to avoid any kind of discrimination and to support countries and communities with specific needs and people suffering from poverty and in vulnerable situations, especially women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those living in remote areas, going beyond the household, particularly with regard to schools, healthcare facilities and workplaces;

Improve communication and access to practical, water-related information and funding to empower communities at all levels, through clear messages, to promote participation, equity, improved accountability and social innovation and to support the engagement of civil society representatives of those in vulnerable situations in decision-making processes related to the rational, transparent and sustainable use and management of water resources and the provision of water-related services;

Step up the efforts to develop tools, build institutional and human resources capacity, foster technology exchange, improve data, which should be appropriately disaggregated, application and dissemination of knowledge, including traditional knowledge, skills, and enhance science and technological know-how to better understand the water cycle, contribute to the identification of appropriate solutions and implement the targets related to water and sanitation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through South-South and triangular cooperation and improved research, education and training with a local perspective and special attention to childhood;

Facilitate partnerships at all levels among different kinds of stakeholders, including public authorities, the private sector, civil society and academia, with the engagement of women, youth, local communities and indigenous peoples, as appropriate, to develop and implement actions that address problems related to water and sanitation at suitable levels and to promote the all-of-society engagement necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

Prioritize water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation in line with the principles of international law by strengthening inter alia the means of information and data sharing, open and inclusive multi-level and intersectoral dialogue in order to foster cooperation and development related to the management of transboundary water resources, joint investment, joint management on a reasonable and sustainable basis of water resources and built and natural water infrastructure, as well as through collaborative management structures and institutional arrangements, such as joint commissions and joint plans, among riparian countries, for the development of transboundary river basins, lakes and aquifers and for protection of ecosystems and recharge zones;

Promote actions to address water-related disasters by significantly decreasing loss of life and damage as percentage of gross domestic product, by treating investment in disaster risk reduction as integral to expanding capacity for socioeconomic growth, by integrating science into policy, by substantially increasing investment in disaster risk reduction and establishing financing and investment principles and by supporting alliance of alliances in recognition that climate change may exacerbate water-related disasters, contributing to promote action for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction activities;

Recall the United Nations Secretary General’s plan for the Water Action Decade 2018-2028 as a blueprint to coordinate and catalyze action throughout the Decade and invite the United Nations Secretary General to report to the Member States the progress made with the implementation of his action plan for the Water Action Decade 2018-2028;

Note the intention of the Government of Tajikistan to hold Water Action Decade Conferences in Dushanbe on a biennial basis and to keep organizing them in an open and inclusive manner and invite all states, the United Nations, including UN-Water, and other relevant stakeholders, to actively participate in this Dushanbe Process;

Invite countries to consider the establishment of Water Action Decade centers and partnerships on specific themes, such as one for water and disasters, or at the regional level and use the already existing water-related centers, programs and partnerships, such as those under the auspices of the United Nations and its entities, including UNESCO Centers and Chairs, as useful mechanisms to enhance dialogue, cooperation, technical and scientific transfer and development for the effective implementation of the Decade;

Further invite all states to consider appointing water champions, who will play a mobilizing role for the Water Action Decade;

Strongly recommend Member States to prepare and adopt national strategies, plans and implement actions for the achievement of the water-related Sustainable Development Goals and targets, as well as the goals of the Water Action Decade;

Ask the United Nations, within existing resources, regional organizations, International Financial Institutions, philanthropic organizations, the private sector and development partners to support the implementation of the Water Action Decade, particularly in developing countries, Least Developed Countries, countries suffering from water scarcity, Small Island Developing States and Land-Locked Developing Countries, as well as the specific circumstances faced by middle-income countries;

Request the Government of Tajikistan to present the Chair’s Summary of this Conference, accompanied by this Declaration, to the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and other relevant venues;

Urge all Member States to actively participate in the preparation process of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on the Mid-Term Comprehensive Review of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, to be undertaken during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly;

Request the Secretariat of this First High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, to collect, in collaboration with the International Steering Committee, the actions and partnerships that were proposed by the participating states and organizations during this Conference in a document to be entitled “Call for Action and Partnership”;

Invite the participating states and organizations to report about the progress made on the actions and partnerships proposed during this Conference at inter alia the Second Water Action Decade Conference, and as a contribution towards the Mid-Term Review of the Decade;

Decide that the theme of the Second Water Action Decade Conference shall be “catalyzing water action and partnership at the local, national, regional and global levels” to achieve the goals of the Water Action Decade and water-related Sustainable Development Goals and targets;

Express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan for hosting the Water Action Decade Conferences in Dushanbe and for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to all participants; we also express our sincere appreciation to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme, UN-Water and other partners for their support.

Дорогие соотечественники!
Уважаемые жители древнего города Канибадам!

В эти минуты мы все собрались в честь празднования Дня национального единства – одного из великих достижений славного народа Таджикистана в период независимости.

В связи с этим искренне поздравляю весь народ Таджикистана, от мала до велика, зарубежных соотечественников, всех вас, уважаемые присутствующие, с этой исторической датой. 21 год назад, то есть 27 июня 1997 года, с подписанием Общего соглашения об установлении мира и национального согласия наступила новая эра в политической, экономической, социальной и культурной жизни страны.

В начале 90-х годов прошлого столетия, когда Таджикистан только обрёл независимость, наш народ закладывал первые основы здания современной государственности, недоброжелатели таджикской нации и предатели в короткие сроки втянули страну во внутренний конфликт, политическое и вооружённое противостояние, началась навязанная гражданская война.

Я неоднократно говорил и сейчас хочу подчеркнуть, что враги таджикской нации имели цель — руками подкупных предателей навязать нашему народу чуждую культуру и мазхаб, образовать в Таджикистане исламское государство. Недоброжелатели по указанию и под предводительством своих зарубежных хозяев хотели изменить конституционный строй нашего государства. В те дни Конституция и законы были затоптаны, и никто не мог дать гражданам гарантию их жизни. Страшная навязанная война, которая длилась почти 5 лет, стала причиной гибели 150 тысяч наших граждан, а более миллиона наших соотечественников были вынуждены бежать за рубеж, в стране воцарились разруха и хаос. Ничем нельзя восполнить потери, связанные с гибелью людей, с детьми, оставшимися сиротами, и женщинами, поневоле ставшими вдовами.

В те трагические дни дальновидные и патриотически настроенные люди осознали, что единственный путь спасения от угрозы, нависшей над таджикским народом, заключается в скорейшем прекращении кровопролития и установлении мира путём согласия и взаимопрощения. В те дни весь народ только и мечтал об этом. Именно желание и воля народа тогда подтолкнули нас к переговорам с объединёнными силами оппозиции во имя того, чтобы наше суверенное государство не исчезло с политической карты мира, а наша нация не была расчленена.

В результате длительных переговоров, проходивших в разных уголках мира и продолжавшихся более 40 месяцев, мы подписали 40 судьбоносных для нашей нации документов. Наконец, после вооруженного противостояния, продолжавшегося более пяти лет, было подписано Общее соглашение об установлении мира и национального согласия в РТ.

Поэтому эта дата – 27 июня 1997 года вписана в новейшую историю нашей государственности как день и торжество мира, согласия и начала осуществления чаяний народа во имя восстановления и возрождения страны, укрепления государственных устоев и претворения в жизнь решений исторической 16-й сессии Верховного совета.

Ещё раз решительно и со всей ответственностью заявляю, что если в результате навязанной нам врагами народа войны и политических игр сошло бы на нет государство таджиков, и была бы расчленена нация, то будущие поколения никогда бы нам это не простили.

Также хочу напомнить, что Правительство Республики Таджикистан подписало Общее соглашение об установлении мира и национального согласия 27 июня 1997 года с объединёнными силами оппозиции. Мы никогда не подписывали ни единого документа с террористической и экстремистской Партией исламского возрождения. Об этом важном факте нужно помнить всему таджикскому народу.

После подписания соглашения о мире мы вернули на Родину почти миллион наших граждан, вынужденных стать беженцами, обеспечили их продуктами и первичными условиями жизни, приступили к восстановлению послевоенного хаоса и разрушений.

Более десяти лет деятельность Правительства страны была направлена на восстановление парализованных ветвей власти, государственных органов и структур, обеспечение государственного строя, законности, правопорядка и безопасности, жилых домов, разрушенных объектов и сооружений.

С восстановлением мира и стабильности в обществе у нас появилась возможность для разработки и реализации важнейших социально-экономических программ и планов с целью обеспечения энергетической независимости, вывода страны из коммуникационного тупика и защиты продовольственной безопасности страны, проведения в атмосфере свободы и демократии крупных политических и культурных мероприятий.

В своих выступлениях я неоднократно говорил и сегодня ещё раз с особой уверенностью хочу подчеркнуть, что мир таджиков является олицетворением доброй воли нашего миролюбивого народа, то есть исторической заслугой нашего народа-героя.

Поэтому очень важным является разъяснение подрастающему поколению и молодёжи как урока значения сути и ценности мира, спокойствия, политической стабильности и национального единства.

Наряду с этим каждый из нас, то есть из числа поколения, пережившего те страшные трагические дни и потери, должен все свои знания и опыт, все усилия направить на укрепление мира, стабильности и основ нашей национальной государственности.

Уважаемые присутствующие!

В этом году празднование Дня национального единства проходит в древнем городе Канибадам.

Канибадам как один из древних городов Таджикистана славится своим почитанием богатых национальных традиций и обычаев, как город мастеров и торговцев, давший миру выдающихся учёных, литераторов, мастеров искусств.

На протяжении столетий древний Канд находился на Великом Шелковом пути.

Как я говорил на одной из встреч с жителями этого древнего города, Канибадам благодаря своему благодатному климату, плодоносной земле и медоподобным фруктам по праву считается одним из красивейших уголков нашей страны.

В результате принятых Правительством страны мер по обеспечению социально-экономического развития всех городов и районов страны, в том числе и города Канибадам, бюджетная часть города с 600 тыс. сомони в 1997 году достигла порядка 60 млн в 2017 году.

Другими словами, за последние 20 лет этот показатель увеличился стократно, что является убедительным доказательством неуклонного развития города Канибадам в период независимости.

Если объём производства промышленной продукции в 1997 году составлял 8 млн сомони, то в 2017 году эта цифра достигла 194 млн сомони, что также является веским доказательством поэтапного развития сферы промышленности города Канибадам.

В настоящее время в соответствии с социально-экономической программой города Канибадам на 2016-2020 годы на территории города и окрестных селений продолжается реализация 48 государственных инвестиционных проектов на общую сумму 780 млн сомони.

Жители города Канибадам испытывали трудности с обеспечением качественной питьевой воды. Но при поддержке Правительства страны посредством реконструкции и обновления городской сети водоснабжения протяжённостью 12,5 км и создания необходимой инфраструктуры для сбережения и подачи воды с затратой более 40 млн сомони эта проблема была решена.

Сегодня мы сдали в эксплуатацию также и этот объект.

Знатные дехкане города Канибадам славятся выращиванием фруктов и овощей, созданием теплиц, выращиванием молодых деревьев, садоводством, обработкой сельскохозяйственной продукции.

В прошлом году земледельцы города произвели продукцию на сумму 353 миллиона сомони и внесли вклад в обеспечение потребительского рынка.

Мы сегодня сдали в эксплуатацию несколько объектов и сооружений различного назначения, в том числе памятник Исмоилу Сомони и Государственный флаг на центральной площади города, общую среднюю образовательную школу №29 на 1200 учеников, объект для обслуживания в селении имени Эргаша Шарифова, 20 километров автодороги Канибадам — Патар и КИМ — Исфара после реконструкции и восстановления, на общую сумму свыше 120 миллионов сомони.

В связи с этим выражаю благодарность специалистам и строителям, партнёрам по развитию и всем тем, кто трудился для того, чтобы завершить строительство сооружений в указанные сроки с высоким качеством.

Сегодня быстрыми темпами продолжается реализация одного из грандиозных коммуникационных проектов страны – реконструкция магистрали Худжанд — Канибадам — Исфара. Как я подчеркивал в прошлогоднем Послании Маджлиси Оли, продолжаются работы по проектированию, изучению, реконструкции и восстановлению участка Худжанд — Канибадам автодороги Худжанд — Исфара протяжённостью 130 километров, и мы намерены в скором времени начать строительство данного участка.

Следует отметить, что в прошлом году Исполнительным органом государственной власти Согдийской области и города Канибадам, благородными предпринимателями и населением было отремонтировано и обновлено 160 километров, а за 4 месяца текущего года — 20 километров дороги внутри города и селений.

Дорогие соотечественники!

В последние годы с целью повышения чувства патриотизма, самосознания и самопознания, национальной гордости, а также воспитания подрастающего поколения, уделения большего внимания массовости спорта и пропаганде здорового образа жизни во всех городах и районах страны полным ходом идёт процесс возведения центров отдыха, спортивных залов и площадок для подростков и молодёжи.

Центральный стадион «Джавони» в городе Канибадам на 10000 посадочных мест, который мы сегодня сдали и в котором сейчас проходят торжества, посвящённые Дню национального единства, входит в их число.

Сейчас в городе Канибадам в связи с Годом развития туризма и народных ремёсел полным ходом идёт возведение современной туристической инфраструктуры, осуществление обслуживания на международном уровне, и принимаются необходимые меры в сфере развития различных видов туризма.

На территории города Канибадам находится большое количество исторических памятников, которые являются местом паломничества гостей и туристов, данный факт способствует развитию национальных ремёсел в этом уголке нашей страны. Кроме того, функционируют два международных пропускных пункта между Таджикистаном и Узбекистаном, что позволяет населению Канибадама развивать и укреплять сотрудничество, добрососедские отношения с дружественными народами Узбекистана и Кыргызстана.

Уважаемые присутствующие!

Создание демократического, правового, светского государства и формирование гражданского общества в Таджикистане, по пути которого мы сейчас с уверенностью продвигаемся вперёд, является ярким доказательством торжества мира и спокойствия, национального единства и взаимопонимания нашего народа.

Это уникальное достижение в качестве составной части жизни нашего народа играет важную роль в развитии политической, социально-экономической и культурной жизни страны и обязывает нас стремиться к его защите и почитанию.

С осложнением геополитической ситуации в регионе и мире, угрозой независимости национальных государств всё большую значимость и актуальность приобретает вопрос укрепления политической бдительности населения страны, особенно молодёжи, защиты государства и государственности.

В таких условиях мы должны принять все меры, чтобы население страны, в том числе молодёжь, ценило великое благо независимости и свободы, почитало национальное единство как плод периода суверенитета и было всегда готово защищать исторические завоевания.

В современном беспокойном мире национальное единство, мир и спокойствие для нашего народа являются созидательными факторами новейших достижений, реализации стратегических планов, надёжным гарантом безопасности государства, социально-экономическим фундаментом и главным условием развития и процветания нашей страны.

Для достижения благополучия народа и выполнения важных планов развития нашей страны все мы, от мала до велика, обязаны почитать великие исторические достижения – независимость и свободу, национальное единство, защищать их, быть дальновидными и любить нашу Родину, как собственную мать.

Спустя три года, то есть 9 сентября 2021 года, нашему независимому Таджикистану исполнится 30 лет.

С целью достойной встречи этой знаменательной даты ранее на заседании Правительства страны было принято решение развернуть созидательные работы на всей территории страны – от областных центров, городов и районов до селений и населённых пунктов, с использованием всех ресурсов и возможностей.

В это благое дело должен внести вклад весь народ страны – начиная от членов Правительства, председателей областей, городов и районов, джамоатов посёлков и селений, активисты и интеллигенция, предприниматели и коммерсанты, религиозные деятели, каждый патриот страны.

В течение трёх предстоящих лет необходимо, чтобы в каждом селении, населённом пункте страны начались возведение и ремонт учебных заведений, оздоровительных центров с родильными домами на 10-15 коек, медицинских пунктов, бань, мостов и внутренних дорог, создание производственных пошивочных, прядильных, ремесленных предприятий и мастерских, в целом развитие народных ремёсел.

Глубоко убеждён, что славный народ Таджикистана, патриотически настроенные и трудолюбивые жители и впредь будут прилагать свои усилия во имя благоустройства Родины, укрепления единства и сплочённости, устойчивого развития нашей любимой страны и будут показывать образцы самоотверженности.

В эти торжественные мгновения поздравляю весь народ Таджикистана, зарубежных соотечественников, в том числе трудолюбивых жителей Согдийской области и города Канибадам, всех вас, уважаемые присутствующие, с Днём национального единства и желаю, чтобы на нашей древней земле вечно царили мир, единство, стабильность, достаток и благополучие.

Пусть наш дорогой Таджикистан всегда будет обителью мира, спокойствия, единства и взаимопонимания.

Будьте здоровы и счастливы, дорогие соотечественники!