Iran View24 – Dushanbe, Thursday, May 29, 2025
In a move to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties, First Vice President of Iran Mohammad-Reza Aref on Thursday proposed the formation of a joint committee on Persian language, literature, and civilization between Iran and Tajikistan.
Speaking in Dushanbe, Aref described Tajikistan as a “second homeland for Iranians”, citing shared language, heritage, and close geographical proximity as key pillars of the enduring bond between the two nations.
“Iran and Tajikistan exist within a single civilizational sphere. This deep-rooted cultural connection has made our relations strong and naturally facilitated cooperation over the past three decades,” Aref said.
Economic and Diplomatic Progress
Referring to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Tajikistan, Aref highlighted significant strides in bilateral ties. During the visit, 13 agreements worth over $450 million were signed at a business forum between Iranian and Tajik enterprises.
In parallel, the 17th session of the Iran-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation was recently held in Shiraz, signaling continued momentum in trade and investment collaboration.
Environmental and Tourism Cooperation
Aref also praised Tajikistan’s commitment to sustainable development, citing its hosting of the International Conference on Glaciers Preservation (May 29–31, 2025) in Dushanbe. He described the event as “a reflection of Tajikistan’s responsible global engagement.”
The Iranian vice president further welcomed the implementation of a visa waiver agreement, which has boosted tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Scientific and Political Alignment
Stressing the strength of current bilateral ties, Aref remarked that political relations between Iran and Tajikistan are now at their highest level, serving as a model for expanding cooperation across other sectors. He also reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to share its scientific and technological advances with Tajikistan.
“The progress Iran has made in science and technology belongs not only to us but should be shared with our friendly and brotherly nations,” he said.
Tajik Reaction
Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, who hosted Aref during the visit, echoed the sentiment, stating that Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with Tajikistan reflects the sincere, brotherly, and historical friendship between the two nations.
“We are bound by common language, history, and values. This foundation allows us to work together with trust and mutual respect,” Rasulzoda said.
The proposal for a joint cultural committee is expected to be taken up in upcoming diplomatic engagements as both nations aim to deepen cooperation in education, literature, and regional development.
