Mirsaid Rahmonov
Modern Tajikistan gained its independence on 9 September 1991 after the collapse of the former USSR. After passing the plights times during the independence period, the state created its own school of peace in the light of constructive fairness, policy leadership of its people and President Emomali Rahmon’s policy of promoting prosperity and stability.
Safety, security and stability are the only means of development in world, especially in Asia as it is the largest continent.
The development and commercial relations are completely dependent on regional cooperation. That is why the geopolitical situation, stability, security and cooperation are considered important elements for the economic and commercial development of continental regions such as Asia, especially Central Asia, the Middle East, West Asia and South Asia.
Strengthening good-neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation is central focus of Tajikistan’s approach to South Asia, laying the foundation for expanded political, security, and economic partnerships.
In line with this, Tajikistan seeks to strengthen its ties with South Asian nations, particularly Pakistan, given their geostrategic importance.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan were formed on June 6, 1992.
The development of Tajikistan’s culture, arts and crafts has been well-established with regional and transregional organizations and forums, in particular the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with countries in the region, including Pakistan and Iran.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Iran were also established on January 9, 1992, and began to operate with the opening of embassies in Dushanbe and Tehran.
Iran and Pakistan were among the first countries to officially recognize the independence of Tajikistan.
Thus, all three countries are active members of the UN and are expanding and strengthening their relations within the framework of regional organizations, in particular the SCO and the ECO (Economic and Cultural Organization) in various areas of geo-cultural development.
Also Read: Pakistan, Tajikistan Agree to Expand Cooperation
Tajikistan is one of the founding and active countries in SCO, and with the accession of Pakistan in 2017 and Iran in 2021, relations between these countries have further increased and improved.
It is worth noting that in 2005, Iran received the status of an observer country of the SCO, and in 2021, it was accepted as a full member at its official meeting in Dushanbe.
The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, in his messages, meetings and consultations, constantly emphasizes that culture is the essence of every nation, and in order to further develop national culture, preserve national heritage, traditions and values, all existing opportunities should be used.
Because the revival of the spiritual heritage of the past, the preservation of historical monuments, the promotion of national culture, the globalization of ancestral celebrations and ceremonies, and similar good humanitarian measures are considered good humanitarian measures.
The country with its global public diplomacy in the light of unique school of peace intensified to promote harmony, prosperity, and sustainable economic projects, fostering cooperation and coordination to eliminate threats and public risks.
Consequently, the latest initiatives of Tajikistan, especially “Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations” in the UN aims to inspire and unify diverse communities towards a progressive prosperity future of human beings and global environments protection.
Cultural and educational ties are an important factor in strengthening multilateral cooperation, and holding Cultural Days between member countries, including Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran, will expand the foundations for geo-cultural development.
Within its framework, the current state and prospects for strengthening relations between Tajikistan, Iran, and Pakistan as development partners, friendship, and mutual understanding are discussed.
Also Read: Tajikistan, Iran Agree to Strengthen Cooperation
The development of relations and regional integration in the economic, trade, and cultural and artistic processes among the member states are considered key issues, implemented in the light of the “National Development Strategy of the Country for the Period up to 2030.”
In this context, at the initiative of the SCO member states, a Friendship Center has been established, which will create a basis for the development of cultural diplomacy.
In light of this, the Center for Friendship and Cooperation is also operating in the cities of Dushanbe and Islamabad, which strengthens intercultural diplomacy between these countries through colorful cultural and artistic programs, round tables, conferences and other scientific events.
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established at the initiative of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye after the signing of the Izmir Treaty, and Tajikistan became a member of this organization along with other countries in 1992.
It is worth noting that culture is the basis for building the way and approach of human existence.
It is inextricably linked with the history of mankind, and expands and improves along with the development of their consciousness and spirituality.
It is a creation of humans themselves, through which people not only provide for all their needs and existence, but also transform the natural and social environment and completely transform themselves.
Throughout human history, culture has encompassed all aspects of people’s daily lives and society, contributing to the level of progress and creative power of individuals.
The revival and establishment of a cultural institution among the ECO countries is described in Article 2 of the Izmir Treaty, which is based on “Strengthening cultural ties and spiritual and fraternal ties between the peoples of the countries through social and cultural means of thought and action”.
The activities and development of the ECO Cultural Institute were discussed at the third summit of the ECO heads of state, which was held in Islamabad on March 14-15, 1995, and Tehran was chosen as its headquarters.
The ECO Cultural Institution is an initiating, coordinating, financing and monitoring institution that take cultural activities to strengthen and promote closer ties and cooperation between the people of the region, in general, the media, intellectuals and artists in particular.
Also Read: Pakistan, Tajikistan Vow to Boost Ties
It should be noted that among the member countries, including Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan, cultural weeks are held on different dates with the presence of people of culture and art.
At these events, artisans perform in various fields of expressive arts, including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, cooking, cotton weaving, carpet and rug weaving, Rudaki, Shahnama, Mawlana, Iqbal, sports and wrestling, and the promotion of classical music.
Thus, in cooperation with the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a special issue of the magazine “ECO Heritage” is published in English in 500 copies to highlight the achievements and tourism potential of Dushanbe.
In an important step towards expanding cultural cooperation between the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) and ECO member countries, Dr. Saad Khan met with Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, during his visit to Tajikistan on August 5, 2024, and a memorandum of understanding was signed with the aim of further expanding relations.
Meanwhile in the first half of January 2025, with the initiative of the ECO Cultural Institute, Pakistan Institute of Peace and Diplomacy Studies in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Crafts of Pakistan, the exhibition titled as “The Priceless Peace of Calligraphy and Art” was organized to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the member countries, which was inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The exhibition showcased masterpieces of art, calligraphy and works of renowned artists from the ECO member countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
During the ceremony, it was emphasized that the unique cultural diversity of the ECO region is the greatest strength of the member countries, serving as a bridge between civilizations and the foundation of peace, prosperity and mutual respect.
The ECO member countries with their rich cultural heritage and diversity of languages, traditions and richness of culture offer a foundation for fostering mutual understanding, regional integration, and sustainable development.
On 6 January 2025, a seminar titled as “Fostering Cultural Harmony: Celebrating Diversity Among ECO Member States,” organized by the ECO Cultural Institute, the Ministry of National Heritage & Culture Division, and the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.
President of the ECO Cultural Foundation, Dr. Saad Khan, emphasized the importance of showcasing regional artistic achievements, and the ECO Cultural Foundation considered it necessary to strengthen cultural relations between Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran with other countries in the region in the current circumstances.
At the same time, Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan, Coordinator of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, stated that cultural harmony is the cornerstone of sustainable regional integration, and lays the foundation for the need for continued dialogue and joint efforts to preserve and promote the common heritage of the ECO member states.
He also highlighted the commitment of the government of Pakistan to the ECO vision and its role as a bridge between South and Central Asian countries, where cultural heritage is not only a source of pride but also an important tool for strengthening peace, dialogue and cooperation among member states.
Muhammad Asif Noor, Founder of the Diplomatic Insight Group, Pakistan, also considered the holding of such events important and mentioned the great artistry of Hassan Nasir Jami, who plays a significant role in promoting the image of Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy development at the international level and strengthening cultural ties around the world.
The exhibition showcased beautiful calligraphy and intricate crafts from across the ECO member states, each reflecting the unique cultural identity and heritage of its country of origin.
The mastery of the art of renowned Pakistani calligrapher Azim Iqbal was also prominently displayed, along with other notable works, which create and connect shared values and traditions among the ECO countries.
Such exhibitions are considered important and will foster greater respect and appreciation for the arts and cultural heritage of the ECO region.
The other speakers inclining Dr. Farhat Asif, President of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies and Diplomacy, also highlighted the transformative potential of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between countries, stressing that “Art and culture are fundamental tools for promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation between different societies.”
Majid Mushki, Cultural Counselor at the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, spoke about the deep historical and cultural ties between the country and ECO member states, emphasizing the unifying power of art, especially calligraphy, as a means of promoting dialogue and understanding across cultural boundaries.
Also Read: Tajikistan’s School of Peace: A Virtuous Model for Regional Unity
Dr. Samina Yasmin Amin, Head of the Pakistan Research Department, presented a scholarly analysis of the role of education in promoting cultural understanding, emphasizing the need to incorporate cultural studies into educational curricula to foster a sense of shared identity among future generations.
Rahmonov Mirsaid actively participated in this seminar, expressing his thoughts on the geo-cultural role of Tajikistan and the importance of preserving historical monuments and historical traditions as a heritage for future generations.
It was emphasized that the artistic heritage of the region is not only a source of pride, but also an important means of strengthening peace, dialogue and cooperation between member states.
Mirsaid Rahmonov is the senior researcher and South and Central Asian expert at the Institute of Asian and European Studies, Tajikistan.
