In a report released at a regular sitting of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s upper house of parliament), the Minister of Transport Sherali Ganjalzoda noted on November 2 that a draft government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the direct air communication between the two countries is currently at the stage of coordination.
The air communication between Dushanbe and Tashkent was cut off in 1992 and the issue of resumption of the direct air communication between the two countries have been raised at meetings between state officials of the two countries more than once.
The Tajik authorities have repeatedly noted that resumption of regular air communication between Dushanbe and Tashkent and bus service between cities of the two countries would promote expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Tajik-Uzbek relations that have probably been the worst bilateral ties across Central Asia have begun to thaw after a long chill. Uzbek enterprises are reportedly seeking partners for cooperation in Tajikistan and a two-way trade between the two countries is increasing.
In an apparent start at trying to mend fences, Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov on September 29 visited Tajikistan, where he met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Komilov did mention he hoped the two countries could find a fair and mutually advantageous solution to water and energy problems. He also gave an interview to Tajik television, saying it was time to renew “long-interrupted” ties.
Meanwhile, Tajik parliamentarians today unanimously voted for ratification of a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and China on launching direct air communication between Dushanbe and Beijing. The agreement was signed in 2007.
