On November 7, 2018 in the framework of the World Bank Group's event “Law, Justice and Development Week 2018”, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Yusuf Rahmon visited the Supreme Court of the United States.

During this visit, participants were briefed on the history, actions and best practices of the United States judicial system, including judicial procedures, the implementation of legislation and the case study process.

On November 6, 2018, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Yusuf Rahmon met with the Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation Christopher Wray.

During the meeting issues of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Prosecutor General’s Office and FBI in the field of fighting against crime, especially organized crime, cross-border terrorism and extremism and the coordination of relevant treaty and legal acts were discussed. At the same time, the United States expressed its gratitude for cooperation in the process of investigation of the terrorist attack, which occurred on July 29, 2018 in Tajikistan.

The Prosecutor General and FBI Director expressed their willingness to strengthen and develop cooperation between two agencies.

On October 22, 2018 Mr.Sirojiddin Muhriddin received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Ms.Emilia A. Puma.

During the meeting the two sides discussed a wide range of issues of development of trade and economic cooperation, political dialogue, humanitarian ties and security issues

On October 5, in the framework of his official visit to Japan, the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks with the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) of Japan Tadamori Ōshima.

The inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries was the main subject of discussion.

In the context of the two countries commemorating the 25th anniversary of Tajikistan-Japan diplomatic relations, both sides expressed their satisfaction regarding establishment of an inter-parliamentary friendship group, relationship between the legislative bodies and the fruitful implementation of more than 50 signed legal documents.

The two leaders hailed to establish a Tajikistan – Japan Joint Working Group on the analysis of the legal bases.

They discussed in-depth the possibilities for developing mutually beneficial relations, including technical and humanitarian cooperation, the implementation of joint projects, and use of human power. It was proposed to establish the Training Center of Japan in Tajikistan for the training of highly qualified personnel in the field of economy, management, law, transportation and telecommunications, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, as well as banking and financial sector.

Other item of agenda was providing Japanese investment and technical assistance for the implementation of social and humanitarian projects, the allocation of concessional loans, and development of the private sector.

At the end, the President of our country Emomali Rakhmon invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan to visit Tajikistan at his convenience.

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.