JOINT DECLARATION ON FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN
THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

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Following is the text of Joint Declaration of the Republic of India and the Republic of Tajikistan signed at Dushanbe, Tajikistan, today:

"The Republic of India and the Republic of Tajikistan, hereinafter referred to as the sides,

RECALLING the historical affinity between the cultures and the traditions of their people,

RECOGNISING that they share the ideals of peace, democracy and secularism,

CONVINCED that cooperation between India and Tajikistan would further the cause of peace and security in Asia and globally,

SEEKING to establish qualitatively new and mutually beneficial relations in the political, economic, military, development cooperation and in other areas,

AGREE that :-

The sides shall develop bilateral cooperation based on the universally recognized principles and norms of international law; respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the both states; non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and commitment to democratic values.

The sides affirmed that strengthened cooperation between the two countries is a positive factor for the maintenance of peace and stability. They also reaffirmed the importance of settling issues through peaceful dialogue.

The sides noted with satisfaction the formation of a Joint Working Group to combat international terrorism. They expect the group’s work will aid cooperation in combating organized crime, money laundering, illegal trafficking in weapons, ammunitions and explosives, international terrorism and other trans-national threats. In this context, they reiterated that terrorism cannot be justified on any ground whatsover. Terrorism is an attack on the human rights and civil liberties of the citizens of the world. It must be condemned unambiguously and eradicated wherever it exists. The sides also condemned the supporters of terrorism and those that finance, train or provide support for terrorists.

The sides were pleased to note the steady progress in defence exchanges and the intent to further intensify relations in this area in the future.

The sides noted with satisfaction the increased bilateral contacts and the frequency of exchanges at political and senior official levels between the two countries. The sides were pleased to note that India has opened cultural centre in Dushanbe and that its functioning since January 2003 has re-established the cultural bridges between the two countries. They also noted with satisfaction the commencement for the first time of direct flights between Dushanbe and New Delhi from 18 February 2003. The sides welcomed the establishment of the diplomatic mission of Tajikistan in New Delhi in October 2003. These measures are indicative of the mutual desire to promote greater people to people contact and bilateral exchanges.

The sides noted that the humanitarian cooperation has shown steady increase. They recalled the delivery of food aid worth US$ 5 million by India to Tajikistan is September-October 2003 and the placement annually on medium to long-term scholarships of nearly 70 Tajik students and professionals in India. They took note of the substantial progress in the plans to set up under Indian aid a Fruit-processing plant and an institute for Information Technology in Dushanbe.

The economic cooperation between the two sides is on increase. It was decided to help and promote this further though institutional encouragement. Considering the vast hydro-electric potential of Tajikistan, it was felt that a beginning should also be made to cooperate in this sector. To encourage joint ventures and investment in Tajikistan, the Government of India has decided to extend a new package of economic assistance, including a line of credit.

The sides expressed readiness to widen cooperation in the fields of culture, mass media, sports and tourism. They also placed importance on cooperation in the fields of science and technology.

The Republic of India reiterates its support to the Republic of Tajikistan and its Government in its efforts at strengthening democracy and in promoting economic development.

The Republic to Tajikistan re-affirms its support to the efforts of the Republic of India, and its Government to promote and strengthen international peace and security, including mutual understanding and cooperation in South Asia.

The sides acknowledged the vital importance of the role of United Nations in promoting world peace, stability, and prosperity. They agreed that there is an urgent need to restructure and strengthen the UN Security Council to reflect the new international realities. The Tajik side, noting the role India plays in international affairs, supports India as an appropriate candidate for permanent membership in the expanded UN Security Council.

The sides also noted the progress being made by the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) as a regional body. Noting India’s geographical proximity and historical links with Central Asia, and its active participation on regional and global matters of cooperation, the Tajik side expressed its belief that India’s membership of SCO would add to the strength of that organization when it decides to take a new member.

The sides noted the positive development since the Bonn Agreement of December 2001, including the establishment of the Transitional Administration and the efforts towards a new Constitution and a strong, united, independent and sovereign Afghanistan free from interference from outside. They expressed concern at the challenges to security being mounted by the former Taliban and Al Qaeda elements with support from outside. They reiterated their determination to continue providing economic and other assistance to contribute to peace, stability and reconstruction in Afghanistan .

The Prime Minister of India thanked the President of Republic of Tajikistan for the warmth of reception and the hospitality extended to his delegation and to him. The Prime Minister of India invited the President of Republic of Tajikistan to visit India at an early date. The invitation was accepted with pleasure."