Ambassador Yusuf Sharifzoda says Tajikistan’s journey reflects national unity, peaceful development and constructive engagement with the international community
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda has reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to peace, national unity, sustainable development and an open foreign policy as the country celebrates the 35th anniversary of its State Independence.
Addressing a ceremony marking the historic occasion, the Ambassador said independence represented far more than a date on the calendar for the Tajik people, describing it as a symbol of freedom, sovereignty, the revival of national statehood and responsibility toward present and future generations.
He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tajikistan, Tajik citizens living abroad and friends of Tajikistan, wishing every Tajik family peace, stability, good health and prosperity.
Reflecting on Tajikistan’s journey over the past 35 years, Ambassador Sharifzoda acknowledged the difficult circumstances that followed independence, particularly the devastating civil war that caused significant human and economic losses.
He said the people of Tajikistan, guided by national wisdom and determination, ultimately chose the path of peace and national unity. The achievement of peace and national reconciliation, the return of hundreds of thousands of refugees and the creation of conditions for state development, he noted, represented a significant chapter in Tajikistan’s peacebuilding experience.
The Ambassador credited the constructive policies of President of the Republic of Tajikistan and Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon with helping the country overcome one of the most challenging periods in its modern history and emerge as an independent, peace-loving and steadily developing state.
Ambassador Sharifzoda highlighted the growing importance Tajikistan attaches to modern technologies and artificial intelligence, saying the country is actively pursuing digitalization in public administration, social services, finance and business.
He said Tajikistan’s initiative resulting in the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia” reflected the country’s contribution to addressing emerging global challenges.
He added that national innovation centres and related initiatives could contribute to establishing Tajikistan as an important regional hub for the development and application of advanced technologies.
The Ambassador also highlighted the preservation of Tajikistan’s rich cultural and historical heritage as a key state priority.
He said the Tajik language, literature, traditions and historical legacy constituted an integral part of the national identity, while figures such as Rudaki, Firdawsi, Ibn Sina and Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi represented an enduring contribution of the Tajik people to world civilization.
He noted that, at the initiative of the Tajik Government and under UNESCO’s auspices, numerous commemorative anniversaries and celebrations had been held to honour distinguished Tajik figures in science and literature and to promote the country’s historical heritage.
Ambassador Sharifzoda also referred to the publication and free distribution to families across Tajikistan of Bobojon Ghafurov’s “Tajiks” and Abulqasim Firdawsi’s “Shahnameh”, describing them as important works of national and cultural heritage.
Referring to the country’s ancient statehood traditions, he highlighted the historical legacy associated with Cyrus the Great, whom he described as a symbol of justice, tolerance and respect for human rights.
He further noted that, on November 6, 2025, the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference adopted, at Tajikistan’s initiative, a resolution entitled “The Cyrus Cylinder: The First Declaration of Human Rights and Cultural Diversity.”
The Ambassador said that throughout the 35 years of independence, Tajikistan had pursued a balanced, peaceful and constructive foreign policy based on its “Open Doors Policy,” enabling the country to strengthen its role in the international community.
He said 20 resolutions initiated by Tajikistan had been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly during the independence period.
He also highlighted the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming the “International Decade of Strengthening of Peace for Future Generations, 2027-2036,” describing it as another reflection of Tajikistan’s contribution to the global peace agenda.
Ambassador Sharifzoda said regional cooperation for peace, security and stability in Central Asia remained a key priority of Tajikistan’s foreign policy.
He recalled the signing in March 2025 of two landmark documents: the agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan concerning the junction point of the three countries’ state borders, and the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship, describing them as important achievements in the peaceful resolution of regional border issues.
Speaking about bilateral relations, Ambassador Sharifzoda expressed particular appreciation for the friendship and cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan.
He said the two countries were connected not only through diplomatic relations but also by historical, cultural and civilizational ties and shared regional interests.
“Tajikistan attaches particular importance to its friendship with Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing the desire to further expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, energy, transport, education, culture and tourism, among other areas.
The Ambassador underscored the significant geographical opportunities available to the two countries for strengthening transport and trade connectivity between Central and South Asia.
He highlighted cooperation in the energy sector, particularly through the CASA-1000 regional project, as well as the development of transport and trade corridors, saying such initiatives could play an important role in enhancing regional connectivity.
He said Tajikistan and Pakistan also shared common interests on major international issues, including the promotion of peace and stability, the fight against terrorism and extremism, sustainable development and climate change.
Ambassador Sharifzoda expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Pakistan would continue to expand and contribute to the interests of both nations as well as peace, stability and development across the wider region.
Concluding his address, the Ambassador thanked the people and Government of Pakistan for their warm and cordial attitude toward Tajikistan and expressed hope that the friendship between the two brotherly countries would continue to flourish.
He extended his congratulations on the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s State Independence and wished peace, stability, progress and prosperity for both Tajikistan and Pakistan.
