Amr Yehia interviews amb. of Tajikistan
Interviewing Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr Parviz Mirzozoda by the creative colleague Amr Yehia, editing manager of Ahram Online, Mirzozoda said, “diplomatic and political relations between Tajikistan and Egypt are deeply rooted in sharing historical and cultural ties, which have continually strengthened the bond between the two nations.
Ahram Online: How do you view the diplomatic and political relations between Egypt and Tajikistan?
Mirzozoda: The historical connections between our two countries have laid a solid foundation for the robust cooperation we see today across various sectors. Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Egypt were officially established in April 1993, with Egypt having recognized Tajikistan’s independence on 1 January 1992.
In March 2022, President Emomali Rahmon undertook an official visit to Egypt. On March 10, President Emomali Rahmon and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met to address a wide range of issues related to cooperation between our two countries, culminating in the signing of five additional agreements.
Our nations continue to foster closer relations through mechanisms such as the Joint Intergovernmental Economic Commission, which has convened two sessions in Dushanbe and Cairo, and the Political Consultations framework between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, which has held two meetings. We are preparing for the following sessions of the Joint Commission and the Political Consultations, signalling our mutual commitment to further strengthening ties.
It is important to note that both the Leadership and the people of Tajikistan and Egypt share a common desire to deepen relations across all spheres. We are delighted to see Egypt’s steady and rapid development and growing global influence. As a brotherly nation, we applaud Egypt’s efforts at the regional and international levels to address the Gaza conflict and work toward resolving this crisis. Egypt’s contributions toward achieving peace in Lebanon and Sudan are also profoundly appreciated, and we wish these efforts every success.
AO: You recently assumed the role of Ambassador of your country to Egypt. What are the priorities of your diplomatic agenda shortly?
Mirzozoda: My foremost priority is to strengthen the ties between Tajikistan and Egypt further and to foster closer cooperation between our two nations. I take on this responsibility with great enthusiasm, as Egypt is a country of immense cultural and historical significance, endowed with vast economic, cultural, and tourism potential. We are eager to learn from Egypt’s rich experience and broaden our collaboration across all fields.
Egypt, a key player in the Middle East and the African continent is prominent in Tajikistan’s foreign policy. As I have mentioned, the Tajiks and Egyptians share many common values, including an ancient heritage, a rich cultural legacy, and a tradition of mutual support in international and regional forums.
Egypt’s considerable economic and transit capacities and Tajikistan’s expertise in hydropower, agriculture, and land irrigation offer a solid foundation for further cooperation. In the coming period, I will work diligently to capitalize on these shared opportunities by building on our bilateral experience and contributing to the continued growth and expansion of bilateral relations.
AO: Tajikistan has a long and rich history. Can you give our readers an overview of this history and its role in fostering a convergence of vision with Egypt?
Mirzozoda: Tajikistan boasts an ancient and profound cultural and civilizational heritage. Our beautiful country, with 93% of its territory covered by the majestic Pamir and Tien Shan Mountain ranges, is a place I highly recommend Egyptians visit. Situated along the historic Great Silk Road, Tajikistan has been home to many historical treasures. It has given the world-renowned poets, philosophers, and scientists who have significantly contributed to global culture.
Our forefathers, such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmizi, and Imam Abu Hanifa, made invaluable contributions to Islamic sciences. At the same time, legendary figures like Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Abu Rayhan Biruni, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, and Muhammad al-Khwarizmi enriched the world with their groundbreaking work in science and philosophy. Notably, some scholars, including Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Nasir Khosrow, and Ahmad Farghani, lived and worked in Egypt, impacting intellectual life in this region.
As for the convergence of vision between Tajikistan and Egypt, our shared historical and cultural legacies are a strong foundation for our contemporary relations. Moreover, our two nations share similar perspectives on critical global challenges, including water and energy security, climate change, and the fight against terrorism and extremism.
AO: How would you describe the cooperation with Al-Azhar and its role in supporting bilateral relations?
Mirzozoda: Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif University is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious learning centres and a source of pride for Muslims globally. Al-Azhar has played a vital role in advancing knowledge and promoting a pure and moderate interpretation of Islam worldwide for over a millennium. We hold this institution in the highest regard and are committed to expanding our cooperation. Tajikistan values the contributions of Al-Azhar in both the academic and spiritual realms and is looking forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education and religious scholarship.
AO: Could you elaborate on the role of the Egyptian-Tajik Joint Committee and its expected contribution to developing relations between the two countries?
Mirzozoda: The Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation between our two countries is an essential platform for exchanging ideas, discussing key issues, and planning and implementing joint projects. This commission was established during the official visit of the President of Tajikistan to Egypt on 4 February 2007.
We are highlighting the significance of the second meeting in Cairo, which yielded fruitful results, including the signing of three agreements in the areas of culture, industry, and investment. We are working closely with our Egyptian counterparts to organize the third session of the Commission in Dushanbe in the near future. Alongside this, we are planning a Business Forum to enable entrepreneurs from both countries to explore opportunities for cooperation, further enhancing the private sector’s role in fostering economic ties between Tajikistan and Egypt.
AO: How do you evaluate the economic and trade cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt, and how can it be enhanced in the future?
Mirzozoda: I must acknowledge that the current economic and trade cooperation level between Tajikistan and Egypt, including bilateral imports and exports, needs to meet our expectations. It still needs to reflect the true aspirations and potential of our two friendly and brotherly nations. Egypt has a wealth of experience in critical sectors such as industry, economy, medicine, and tourism, and we are eager to benefit from this expertise. With its abundant natural resources, Tajikistan, particularly in our mountainous regions, where many medicinal plants grow, is well-positioned to cooperate with Egypt in pharmaceutical production.
In addition, Tajikistan has significant hydropower potential and extensive experience in constructing hydropower plants and irrigation systems. We are currently building the largest hydropower plant in the region, known as the “Rogun” plant, which represents a significant development project. Our two nations have ample room for cooperation in hydropower construction and land irrigation.
In 2023, Tajikistan achieved the highest economic growth rate among Central Asian countries, reaching 8.3%. In the first half of 2024, this growth continued at 8.2%. According to World Bank projections, Tajikistan’s economic development is expected to accelerate in the coming years. Our country has created favourable conditions for foreign investors, including significant tax incentives. I invite Egyptian investors to visit Tajikistan and collaborate with Tajik entrepreneurs, as investing in Tajikistan is both lucrative and strategically advantageous.
AO: Tajikistan organized the Third High-Level International Conference on Water Issues, which took place in Dushanbe from June 10-13, 2024. What are the most important outcomes of this conference?
Mirzozoda: Tajikistan has significant water and energy resources and is the source of more than 60 percent of Central Asia’s water supply. Since the early 21st century, Tajikistan has been at the forefront of global water initiatives. To date, four key water-related initiatives by President Rahmon, the President of Tajikistan, have been adopted and implemented by the United Nations. One of these, the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028, is currently underway.
As part of this initiative, the Third High-Level International Conference on Water Issues was held in Dushanbe from 10-13 June 2024. We were honoured to participate in Egypt, with its vast experience in water resource management, which has consistently supported Tajikistan’s initiatives in international water policy. Egypt’s involvement was highly valued.
The most important outcome of this conference was our success in drawing renewed global attention to the critical issue of water and the need for the rational and equitable use of hydropower resources, both regionally and globally.
AO: Egypt is witnessing developments in various fields, such as infrastructure and agriculture. Is there any cooperation in these areas?
Mirzozoda: Egypt has made remarkable strides in infrastructure and agriculture, which are worthy of close study. The rapid pace of construction, including roads, bridges, tunnels, high-rise buildings, and urban development, is impressive. Tajikistan is keen to collaborate with Egypt in these sectors and learn from its experience. Additionally, Egypt has a wealth of expertise in agriculture. In 2022, Tajikistan and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation, which is currently being implemented.
Agriculture is also a vital sector in Tajikistan’s economy, contributing approximately 23.3 percent of GDP, providing over 70 percent of jobs, accounting for 25 percent of exports, and generating 35 percent of tax revenues for the state budget. Recent statistics show that in the first five months of 2024, the volume of gross agricultural output increased by 6.8 percent. Specifically, crop production grew by 10.2 percent, while livestock production rose by 4.8 percent.
Tajik fruits are highly valued internationally, not only for their ecological purity but also for their exceptional taste. The country’s unique climate allows the cultivation of apricots, peaches, grapes, apples, pears, persimmons, pomegranates, and citrus fruits. After cotton, fruits and vegetables are Tajikistan’s second-largest export category. There is excellent potential for Tajikistan and Egypt to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector. Moreover, the rapid industrialization of Tajikistan is a key strategic goal of our government.
AO: What are the areas of cooperation with Egypt, particularly regarding water and energy issues?
Mirzozoda: President Emomali Rahmon initiated four major global water initiatives: the “International Year of Fresh Water 2003,” the “International Decade for Action: Water for Life, 2005-2015,” the “International Year of Water Cooperation 2013,” and the ongoing “International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028.” Tajikistan has consistently been at the forefront of global water advocacy at the United Nations, known internationally as the “Dushanbe Process.”
Tajikistan has immense hydroelectric potential, ranking 8th globally in specific reserves (per capita and area unit). With the capacity to generate 527 billion kWh of electricity annually. Both Tajikistan and Egypt share a commitment to advancing green energy. Egypt has already embarked on its “Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy for 2035,” which aims for green and renewable energy to constitute 37 percent of its energy mix.
AO: What about the tourism exchange between the two countries?
Mirzozoda: Tourism is a vital sector of the Egyptian economy. Egypt’s rich history, beautiful coastal cities, stunning seas, and year-round sunshine make it a premier tourist destination. In Tajikistan, many people are eager to visit Egypt to experience its historical landmarks and the vibrant beauty of your country.
At the same time, Tajikistan offers its unique attractions. Our country is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, majestic glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, and stunning lakes, all surrounded by rare flora and fauna. The mountainous landscape defines the natural beauty of Tajikistan, which is shaped by diverse climatic zones. Recognizing this, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has identified tourism as a priority sector in its economic policy.
Tourism holds excellent potential for fostering closer cooperation between Egypt and Tajikistan, and we are actively working to strengthen this exchange.
