Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has proposed building large oil refineries in Central Asian countries to produce fuel for the regional market, his press service reported.
Rahmon made the proposal on July 31 during an informal consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata.
He said the construction of such facilities was particularly relevant given current conditions in regional and global energy markets.
Rahmon reportedly also identified the development of transport corridors and logistics, energy, industry, digitalization and food security as common priorities for the countries of the region.
The Tajik president noted growing international interest in Central Asia, saying it creates new opportunities to expand trade and economic ties and attract investment and modern technologies.
He also drew attention to rising geopolitical tensions, changes in the international relations system and the emergence of new security threats. Rahmon called on the countries of the region to respond to these challenges jointly and effectively.
The Tajik president stressed the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian ties to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and trust among the peoples of the region.
He reaffirmed Tajikistan’s readiness to continue working toward the practical implementation of decisions made jointly by the participating countries.
Kazakhstan’s Qazinform news agency says the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed regional cooperation, trade and economic ties, transport and logistics, and the strengthening of their strategic partnership
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reportedly said Central Asia was experiencing its most successful period in modern history and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening the regional strategic partnership.
The informal consultative meeting concluded with the adoption of the Cholpon-Ata Declaration. According to Qazinform, the document reflects the high level of mutual trust among the participating countries and their shared commitment to maintaining regional stability.
The Tajik president’s official website says Rahmon arrived in Cholpon-Ata on July 30 to attend the informal meeting.
Together with other regional leaders, he also participated in the opening ceremony of Kyrgyzstan’s first international-standard golf club and reviewed the new complex’s sports and tourism facilities.
The club is expected to promote sports tourism and contribute to the development of golf in the region.
