TASHKENT. Dec 27 (Interfax-AVN) - Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov's visit to Uzbekistan will add a new incentive to the development of bilateral relations, as was announced following negotiations between the two presidents in Tashkent on Thursday.
Rakhmonov arrived in Tashkent for an official visit on Thursday. The two presidents first held face-to-face talks, and then the meeting was continued in an expanded format.
The two heads of state signed a joint statement following negotiations. It reads, in particular, that the Uzbek and Tajik presidents confirm their true devotion to development of multifaceted cooperation on principles of equality, non- interference into internal affairs, mutual assistance, respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes in the spirit of traditional friendship between the two peoples.
The presidents also pointed to wide opportunities for further intensification of cooperation in all spheres, which is an important factor for security and stability in the region. The statement conveys the countries' willingness to hold consultations at different levels on issues of mutual interest.
The Uzbek and Tajik presidents also confirmed the importance of further development and expansion of cooperation in combating international terrorism, drug trafficking, and other manifestations of organized crime on bilateral and multilateral footings.