Riyadh, 11 November 2024 (TDI): A high-level delegation from Tajikistan, led by President Emomali Rahmon, is attending the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The delegation includes key officials such as the Tajikistan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the President’s Assistant on Foreign Relations, and the Chairman of the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management.
The summit aims to discuss regional security challenges, particularly the Israeli-Gaza-Lebanese conflict, as well as to strengthen collaboration among Islamic countries.
Tajikistan’s participation in the recent summit is driven by three key objectives:
- ensuring regional stability, particularly in the face of neighboring conflicts;
- strengthening ties with Arab and Islamic nations to promote cooperation and mutual understanding; and
- enhancing bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia to foster economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation, bolstering national security and economic development.
Case of Israeli Aggression: Theme on agenda
Tajikistan, along with other states, has emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
President Emomali Rahmon strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Palestinian and Labanese civilians, highlighting the devastating impact on innocent lives and infrastructure.
The summit also underscored the importance of international protection for the Palestinian and Labanese people.
Additionally, leaders stressed the necessity of resuming multilateral dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Furthermore, the leaders called for increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Amidst escalating regional tensions, fueled by Israel’s aggression, the parties agreed to establish a revised strategic partnership with the incoming US administration under President Trump.
This partnership prioritizes collaborative efforts to mitigate conflicts, promote peace, and ensure regional stability.
Read More: Resolution Issued by the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit
Background of this Joint Arab Summit
This is the second meeting since the summit was inaugurated in 2023 amid the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
The goal is to get Islamic leaders to acknowledge the pressing necessity for coordinated actions.
Furthermore, to enable a shared stance in order to confront the perilous and unprecedented events occurring in Gaza and the other Palestinian regions.
The meeting’s agenda includes;
”halting the aggression, protecting civilians, assisting the Palestinian and Lebanese people, unifying positions, and exerting pressure on the international community to take decisive action to end the ongoing attacks and establish long-term peace and stability in the region”.
All states concurred that in order to address these issues and lessen their effects, Arab and Islamic countries must stand together.
Read More: Saudi Arabia hosts extraordinary joint Islamic-Arab Summit – The Diplomatic Insight
Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines
Alongside the summit talks, Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia’s bilateral interests were the main focus of President Emomali Rahmon’s trip to Riyadh.
President Rahmon and Khalid al-Falih, the Saudi Arabian Investment Minister, discussed approaches to foster technological, cultural, and financial collaboration.
They underlined possible collaborative projects in sectors like light, food, metallurgy, medicines, energy, and agriculture while underscoring the significance of trade and economic ties.
Regular intergovernmental meetings, corporate forums, exhibitions and a cooperative investment fund were regarded as advantageous.
The March 2023 opening of direct flights between Dushanbe and Jeddah was hailed.
Moreover, it was hoped that similar flights between Dushanbe and Riyadh would boost Saudi travel to Tajikistan.
This visit demonstrates Tajikistan’s attempts to foster regional cooperation and deepen its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
