On 8 September 2026, Ambassador Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek hosted a reception in Ashgabat to mark a milestone date — the 35th anniversary of Independence of Tajikistan. The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, and the public, standing as a vivid illustration of the growing bonds of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and deep strategic partnership between the two fraternal nations.
Welcoming the guests of the celebration, Ambassador emphasized that today Tajikistan is confidently forging ahead along the path of strengthening statehood, driving dynamic economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
The envoy placed special emphasis on the key achievements of the independence era. The country has set a course toward accelerated industrialization: thousands of industrial enterprises have been built and modernized over the past years, giving rise to new high-tech manufacturing facilities and jobs.
Major transformations have reshaped the energy sector, where the establishment of a unified power grid and the commissioning of new generating capacities have laid the foundation for economic stability. Tajikistan has achieved equally impressive results in infrastructure development — thousands of kilometers of highways have been reconstructed, and key bridges and tunnels have been constructed, turning the country into an important regional transport hub.
In its foreign policy, Dushanbe consistently promotes the principles of peace, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Within this context, relations with Turkmenistan occupy a special place, demonstrating a steady expanding trend.
The bedrock of this success is a trusting top-level dialogue. A series of key contacts between the leaders of the two states has taken place recently: a working visit by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Tajikistan in October 2025, as well as working trips by National Leader, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to Turkmenistan in August and December of last year. Another major milestone was the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Tajikistan in April 2024.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their constant attention to strengthening the multifaceted bilateral ties. Today, cooperation is actively developing across all areas — from politics and agriculture to science, healthcare, sports, and tourism. Transport and communication interaction has received a fresh boost: a significant increase in the volume of rail and road cargo transport through the territory of Turkmenistan was recorded in 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev delivered a response welcoming speech. He noted that deep spiritual and cultural roots spanning centuries bind the Turkmen and Tajik peoples together.
“At present, interstate cooperation between the two countries, based on good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and trust, is developing at a high pace,” the DPM stated.
The alignment of Ashgabat’s and Dushanbe’s positions on the international stage was highlighted, primarily within the UN and other major reputable organizations. Mutual support for each other’s initiatives serves as a guarantee of regional stability and security.
A solid legal framework serves as a reliable pillar for implementing ambitious plans. One of the main factors in strengthening cooperation between the two countries is the Joint Turkmen-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, which holds regular meetings.
Along with economic projects, special importance is attached to expanding cultural and humanitarian exchange, as well as ties in education, since it is these bonds that cement the time-tested friendship of the two countries.
The festive evening in Ashgabat proved that borders do not divide, but unite peoples who share common historical and spiritual roots. The 35-year milestone of Tajikistan’s independence is a time of mature decisions and grand plans. ///nCa, 9 September 2026
Here are some photos from the event:
