Turkmen-Tajik relations are based on centuries-old ties of brotherhood and good-neighborliness and continue to develop dynamically across all areas, stated Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, speaking at a formal reception marking the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

"The Turkmen and Tajik peoples are bound by good-neighborly, spiritual, cultural, and fraternal relations rooted deep in the past," said Atahallyev.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, interstate cooperation between the two countries is based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and trust, as well as on promising mutually beneficial goals. He noted that the closeness of the positions held by Turkmenistan and Tajikistan at the regional and international levels is clearly evident in their cooperation within major international organizations, primarily the UN.

Atahallyev emphasized that the heads of the two states are making every effort to ensure the dynamic development of bilateral relations, and that their regular personal meetings strengthen mutual understanding between the countries.

Speaking about the institutional framework for cooperation, the Deputy Chairman noted that the interaction between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan rests on a solid legal foundation comprising interstate and intergovernmental documents. He identified the Joint Turkmen-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation—which holds regular meetings—as one of the key mechanisms for strengthening ties.

The speech also highlighted the development of people-to-people ties between the countries. According to Atahallyev, cooperation in the spheres of culture and the arts is steadily expanding, with cultural days, exhibitions, and creative gatherings being held on a regular basis. Cooperation in the sphere of education is also growing: ties between the two countries' universities and research institutions are expanding, and conditions are being created for the exchange of experience and the holding of joint scientific and educational events.

In concluding his remarks, the Deputy Chairman expressed confidence that friendly and good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan would continue to develop steadily and that mutually beneficial cooperation would be further strengthened. He also conveyed wishes for abundance, prosperity, and well-being to the people of Tajikistan on the occasion of Independence Day.