During a visit to Dushanbe, the Director of the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), Javlon Vakhabov, met with Khayriddin Usmonzoda, Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (CSR).

The parties discussed the further development of allied relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, strengthening economic cooperation, expanding humanitarian exchanges, and deepening collaboration between analytical institutions. In particular, Mr. Vakhabov emphasized the importance of establishing trade ties between bordering regions, which would contribute to increasing mutual goods supply, developing cross-border infrastructure, creating new jobs, and stimulating the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In turn, Khayriddin Usmonzoda emphasized that strengthening cooperation between regional analytical centers can contribute to a more in-depth and comprehensive discussion of key issues such as regional stability, sustainable development, water and energy cooperation, and socio-economic transformation in Central Asia. In this context, special attention was given to the collaboration between IICA and CSR, which actively address both bilateral and regional challenges.

Following the meeting, the heads of the two institutions signed a Joint Action Plan for 2025-2026 aimed at strengthening academic partnership, implementing joint projects, organizing events focused on regional research, and expanding cooperation in joint publications.

G. Khonnazarov, UzA