Foreign policy experts believe that among the Central Asian countries, Tajikistan enjoys more commonalities with Iran in terms of language, religion, culture, and history.
The revival of long-run commonalities and deepening of bilateral relations depend upon the development of cultural convergence, strengthening of correct interpretation of Islamic-Iranian culture, avoiding tensions, and embarking on confidence-building efforts, which also need economic development.
** A relation based on cultural commonalities
According to analysts, although political and economic ties between Dushanbe and Tehran have expanded in recent years, the cultural commonalities still play a key role in consolidating mutual ties, because of homogeneous historical roots, common language, and the same religion along with similar traditions and national beliefs provide the two nations with great opportunity to develop cultural exchanges increasingly.
Following its independence on September 9, 1991, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the first country to recognize the important achievement and open its embassy in Dushanbe.
Political affinity
President Ebrahim Raisi receiving Tajikistan’s Parliament Speaker Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda in Tehran on August 4, underlined that Dushanbe-Tehran ties are higher than the normal relationship between two countries, calling for the expansion of cooperation based on cultural commonalities.
Referring to the Persian language as a significant factor for mutual understanding among Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran, the president noted that Dushanbe and Tehran should cooperate to help restore security in Afghanistan, which is under threat by foreign players.
Zokirzoda, for his part, stated that Tajikistan-Iran ties are based upon common religion, language, history and civilization, and that the relationship enjoys a significant capacity to expand.
Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, held talks with his Tajik counterpart, saying that the expansion of economic and trade exchanges between Tajik and Iranian nations will be fruitful for both countries.
The Tajik speaker also said that the development of all-out ties with Iran is of special importance in the eyes of Tajikistan’s officials, because Iran is considered an important country in the region and the world.
Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, congratulated Ayatollah Raisi for his victory in the 2021 Iran presidential election in a letter.
Economic & trade ties
The Islamic Republic of Iran has helped Tajikistan in reconstruction projects, including the Independence Tunnel and launching an oil refinery in Danghara free trade zone.
Fatemeh Moghimi, a member of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, said that Tajikistan can be turned into a great economic partner of the Islamic Republic in Central Asia, arguing that Dushanbe can find a way to international waters through southern ports in Iran and Tehran can improve its trade with Europe via Tajikistan.
According to the economic specialist, the two countries have a great capacity to cooperate in food, metals and tourism industries.
Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iranian Foreign Minister, also called for expansion of all-out relations with neighboring states particularly Asian neighbors; so, it is expected that the ties between Tajikistan and Iran will see significant growth in the next four years.
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