President Emomali Rahmon, who is currently on his official visit to Italy, yesterday met in Rome with  the Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Tajik president’s official website says Rahmon and Mattarella discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Italy.  Discussions continued with the participation of delegations from both countries.  

During the negotiations, the parties reportedly discussed a range of issues of cooperation between the two countries and expanding ties in the political, economic and trade spheres, as well as the possibility of implementing joint investment projects.

The use of Italy's rich experience, especially in the fields of hydropower, food, light and mining industries, pharmaceuticals, use of natural resources and agriculture was called a priority and fruitful for the parties.

It was emphasized that the creation of a joint Trade Council would be a timely step to expand cooperation between the parties in the private sector.

The parties reportedly also discussed issues related to seeking new ways of cooperation in the field of travel of citizens and the creation of direct air flights between the two countries.

Rahmon and Mattarella regarded as an important step the signing of an Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic Passports, which will be signed during the visit.

The parties exchanged views on the development of the tourism sector and its infrastructure, cultural and humanitarian ties and attracting young people to study at higher educational institutions of Italy.

It was noted that the parliaments of the two countries maintain fruitful cooperation within the European Parliament, and to intensify it, it is necessary to create a bilateral parliamentary friendship group of Tajikistan and Italy.

They also discussed issues of cooperation between the countries within the framework of international organizations such as the UN, OSCE and other international structures were also considered.

During the meeting, Tajikistan's global initiatives in addressing water issues, climate change and protecting and strengthening regional and international security were emphasized.

During the discussion of security issues, the parties reportedly exchanged views on ways to effectively combat terrorism, extremism and transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking and cybercrime.

At the end of the meeting, Emomali Rahmon invited Sergio Mattarella to pay an official visit to Tajikistan.

On the same day, Emomali Rahmon held talks with the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni.

President Emomali Rahmon and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Discussion of issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and Italy reportedly began in a narrow format and continued with the participation of official delegations of the two countries.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of expanding ties in the political, economic, trade, cultural, humanitarian, and security spheres.

Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of hydropower, light, food, metallurgy, mining and chemical industries, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

Attracting Italian capital for the development of the industrial sector of Tajikistan was called beneficial for both countries.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan has ample opportunities and resources for creating joint ventures for processing agricultural and industrial products and increasing their exports to European countries.

Other topics of the meeting were the opening of direct flights and connections between the two parties in the field of education and healthcare, and the allocation of quotas for Tajik citizens’ study in higher educational institutions of Italy.

In connection with the complex international political situation, effective cooperation in the fight against modern threats and challenges was recognized as necessary.

At the end of the meeting, Emomali Rahmon, invited Giorgia Meloni, to visit Tajikistan on an official visit at her convenience.