First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs on talks in Tajikistan and visit to Central Asia

08. Apr 2023.
On the last day of historic visit to countries of Central Asia, which included the first official visit of any Serbian minister of foreign affairs to the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan in history of our diplomatic relations, Minister Dačić talked to President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin, and Parliament Deputy Speaker Vatanzod Mahmandali in Tajikistan.

“As said during the visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the visit to Tajikistan was extremely important, bearing in mind that Serbia had neglected this important Central Asia region.  Five extremely friendly and countries traditionally close to us are located in this region. Those countries are on our side when it comes to preservation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty” said Minister Dačić.

During the talks with Tajik officials, the support of Tajikistan to our territorial integrity and sovereignty was once more confirmed. It was clearly stated that they would not recognize unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo and Metohija, says Minister Dačić.

Tajikistan expressed readiness to develop relations with us, said Minister Dačić, adding that the trade balance was more than modest last year, which was certainly at odds with our cooperation potentials.

“It was agreed to establish a mixed cooperation committee, to create business fora and to slowly prepare for the visit of the Tajikistan President to Serbia as well as the visit of President Aleksandar Vučić to Tajikistan

Summing up the talks in the region, Minister Dačić underlined once more the importance of this historic visit to countries representing the bridge to Asia wishing to have good relations with Serbia and hoping that Serbia could be a bridge for them to Europe.   

“In particular, it is important to foster relations with our friends with whom we do not have a developed cooperation and to work on advancement of that cooperation”, said Minister Dačić and added: “We have strengthened our foreign policy position when it comes to Kosovo, none of these countries will recognize Kosovo and they will continue to support the principled position of the Republic of Serbia.”