TEHRAN –The Youth Diplomacy Center of Iran hosted a joint meeting with a Tajik delegation on Tuesday to explore avenues for cooperation, highlighting that the youth play a pivotal role in expanding social, cultural, and scientific interactions.

The two sides focused on the role of the youth in social development, intercultural collaborations, as well as scientific and economic ties, marking a significant milestone in improving general diplomacy between the two countries, Mehr news agency reported.

Developing a road map to lay the ground for future partnership among youths of the two nations, benefiting from joint heritage in language, culture, and civilizational identity to expand joint efforts between the two young generations, utilizing Iran-Tajik collaboration on youth diplomacy as an inspiring model for regional convergence, conducting collaborative social, cultural, and even economic projects using Persian literature as an invaluable asset for enhancing cultural convergence and strengthening regional identity were among discussed issues.

The officials also proposed leveraging the two countries’ capacities to establish a joint market of domestic products, such as handicrafts, which will create job opportunities for young individuals and strengthen cultural, tourism relations between Iran and Tajikistan.

Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced technologies were among the other issues discussed to foster scientific relations and elevate the two countries' position in the region.

Strategic priority

In June, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted Tehran’s commitment to expanding relations with Dushanbe, emphasizing that Iran views cooperation with Tajikistan as a strategic priority.

Araghchi made the remarks in a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Palace of Nations in Dushanbe on Wednesday.

He pointed to the shared linguistic, cultural, and historical ties between the two nations as a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in key areas, including trade, diplomacy, education, and cultural exchange.

During the meeting, the Iranian diplomat conveyed the official greetings of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian to the Tajik president and people.

President Rahmon welcomed the visit and echoed the sentiment, describing Iran-Tajikistan ties as rooted in centuries-old friendship and mutual respect. He called for further efforts to boost cooperation in light of current regional challenges.

The two sides discussed the current state of bilateral relations and exchanged views on expanding collaboration. They also reviewed regional developments, including the evolving situations in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and West Asia, and shared their perspectives on mutual security concerns.

Moreover, Araghchi held talks with his Tajik counterpart, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, focusing on a comprehensive agenda aimed at boosting cooperation in political, economic, commercial, academic, tourism, and consular affairs.

Minister Muhriddin reaffirmed Tajikistan’s willingness to strengthen ties with Iran, emphasizing the importance of economic and trade cooperation. He welcomed the shared political will between the two nations’ leadership to deepen engagement across all sectors.

Iran and Tajikistan share deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and historical ties. In recent years, both nations have significantly revitalized their bilateral cooperation across various sectors. For example, on June 13, 2022, officials from Tajikistan and Iran convened a Tourism Forum to enhance tourism collaboration between the two countries.

MT/MG