During his address at the first summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Central Asian countries (C5) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on July 19 emphasized the importance of establishing a strategic dialogue in “Central Asia – Gulf” format and invited Gulf countries to invest in Tajikistan’s economy, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
Rahmon, in particular, expressed readiness of Tajikistan for expansion of mutually beneficial economic cooperation with GCC nations as well as within the framework of the Plan of Joint Actions designed for 2023-2027.
Tajik leader reportedly outlined sectors like energy, light and food industries, agriculture, finance, tourism, digitalization of economy as well as information-communications and transportation as areas that could facilitate implementation of investment projects.
Rahmon also proposed to establish the Investment and Development Support Fund in the “Central Asia — Gulf” format for supporting developing countries of the Islamic world.
He further expressed hope that Gulf nations would invest in the implementation of the hydropower development projects in Tajikistan.
Tajik leader also considered it important to involve the capabilities of the Arab countries in the construction of modern highways and railways in the Central Asian region with access to seaports.
Given Tajikistan’s hydropower potential, Rahmon reportedly emphasized a special interest of the Tajik side in attraction of investments from the Gulf countries for development of ‘green energy’.
Meanwhile, Saudi media reports say Tajik President Emomali Rahmon stressed the significance of utilizing the capabilities of financial institutions in GCC countries, including the development funds in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Saudi Gazette reported that Rahmon mentioned specific institutions like the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), the Sheikh Zayed Foundation, and the Islamic Development Bank, as vital contributors to enhancing cooperation in various domains such as trade, culture, and other areas of mutual interest.
President Rahmon reportedly reiterated his support for all political and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving issues in Afghanistan and launching initiatives to provide humanitarian aid to its people.
He expressed Tajikistan’s full readiness to cooperate with the GCC countries in these endeavors.
Additionally, Tajik leader reportedly expressed gratitude for the GCC’s support of Tajikistan’s global initiatives and conveyed his anticipation for future cooperation in resolving water-related issues.
