Ambassador Nazari: Kuwait-Tajik Relations Crowned by Investments and Economic Partnership

Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Khosrow Nazari, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Tajik relations possess broad foundations to transition to a more advanced stage based on investment, economic partnership, and the implementation of joint projects. He emphasized that the time has come to move from a phase of agreements and aid to one of projects and direct investment.

In an interview with Al-Nahar, he stated that the two countries are linked by more than 30 agreements in various fields, yet economic and trade cooperation remains below the level of available potential. He stressed the importance of translating these agreements into tangible projects that benefit the private sectors of both countries.

He pointed out that the visit of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to Kuwait in 1995 was an important historical milestone, as it was his first official visit to an Arab state, from which his subsequent visits to several Arab countries originated, contributing to enhancing Tajikistan’s openness to the Arab world. He added that President Rahmon’s visit to Kuwait in November 2024 strengthened bilateral relations and saw the signing of nine new cooperation documents in multiple fields, expressing hope that these agreements would form the basis for practical projects and joint investments.

Nazari affirmed that his country welcomes Kuwaiti investors, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, water, energy, and tourism, noting that Tajikistan possesses significant water resources, fertile lands, and extensive natural and tourism assets. He appreciated the role played by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in supporting development projects in Tajikistan, revealing ongoing discussions regarding a new participation by the Fund in developmental projects. He noted that the Raghun Hydropower Plant project represents one of the major strategic projects that could open new horizons for cooperation in energy, water, and agriculture. He also praised Kuwait’s role in enhancing peace and security in the region.

The following is the text of the interview:

**Al-Nahar:** To begin, we congratulate you on presenting your credentials to His Highness the Amir. What was discussed during your meeting?

**Ambassador Nazari:** A few days ago, I had the honor of presenting my credentials to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Although the meeting was part of protocol ceremonies and the time was short, it was important and rich. I conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, wishing His Highness abundant health and well-being, and wishing the State of Kuwait and its people continued security, stability, and prosperity. We emphasized the importance of bilateral relations and the necessity of elevating them to a more advanced level in various fields.

**Al-Nahar:** How do you assess the trajectory of Kuwaiti-Tajik relations, and what are the key milestones that contributed to strengthening them?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the State of Kuwait are built on solid foundations of friendship and mutual respect, and have witnessed continuous development since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on March 31, 1995. I would like to emphasize the historical importance of President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to the State of Kuwait in April 1995, which was his first official visit to an Arab state. This visit represented a very important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries and marked the beginning of his visits to several other Arab countries, contributing to enhancing Tajikistan’s openness to the Arab world. During that visit, a number of agreements were signed in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, and investment, in addition to a protocol for consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, which laid an important legal foundation for bilateral cooperation.

**Al-Nahar:** Recent years have seen high-level visits between the two countries. How did this reflect on bilateral relations?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Reciprocal visits at the leadership level have had a significant impact on pushing relations forward. In this context, we cannot overlook the official visit made by President Emomali Rahmon to the State of Kuwait in November 2024. This was not merely a bilateral visit; it coincided with his participation in the International Conference on Combating Terrorism and Enhancing Border Security, within the framework of the Dushanbe Process Kuwaiti Phase. The visit was successful and of great importance, witnessing the signing of nine new cooperation documents in multiple fields, including foreign policy, private sector work, trade, industry, standards, sports, and tourism. We hope that these agreements, along with the existing legal framework between the two countries, will provide an opportunity to transition to a new stage of practical cooperation and tangible projects.

**Al-Nahar:** What is the extent of cultural and commercial cooperation between your country and Kuwait?

**Ambassador Nazari:** We have a broad legal framework, with more than 30 agreements signed between the two countries in various fields. There is important cultural and humanitarian cooperation, but the economic and trade aspect remains below the level of available potential. Therefore, I believe the time has come to move from a phase of agreements and aid to a phase of implementing projects and direct investment. We have many opportunities and wide potential; Tajikistan is rich in natural resources, particularly water, and possesses fertile lands and important agricultural assets. Conversely, the State of Kuwait has significant financial resources and investment expertise. What is required is to combine these resources and potentials to achieve benefits for both countries.

**Al-Nahar:** Will Kuwaiti investment be one of the most prominent files you will focus on during your mission?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Certainly, but not investment alone. There are multiple files, including commercial, economic, agricultural, water, energy, tourism, and food security cooperation. We want to prepare a suitable climate for Kuwaiti investors and present them with clear projects in areas of interest. In the past period, I have sensed a desire and interest from Kuwaiti businessmen and investors to explore investment opportunities in Tajikistan, which requires more external investment. We are working to create a suitable investment climate and provide guarantees for investors. We have an investment law that specifies conditions, terms, and guarantees, and the Tajik government is working to implement it and develop the investment climate. As for ownership and the percentage of foreign partners, it depends on the nature of the project, agreements, and laws regulating each sector. There are areas that may allow for full foreign investment, while others may require different arrangements.

**Al-Nahar:** What fields do you see as most capable of enhancing economic cooperation?

**Ambassador Nazari:** There are many fields. Therefore, the Kuwaiti-Tajik Joint Governmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation gains great importance. We believe that activating this committee and revitalizing its meetings can help identify priority projects and open the door for more cooperation between institutions and companies in both countries. The previous session was held in Kuwait last year, and we are currently coordinating to hold the fifth session in Dushanbe. We hope it will convene before the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. This committee is very important because it can practically explore cooperation opportunities, projects, and investments, particularly in the field of food security.

**Al-Nahar:** What about the role of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in Tajikistan? Are you looking for new projects?

**Ambassador Nazari:** The State of Kuwait and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have made important contributions to the implementation of several projects in the Republic of Tajikistan, including projects in roads, infrastructure, educational institutions, and others. These projects have served sustainable development in the country. More important than the value of financing is the quality of the projects and their impact, which reflects the State of Kuwait’s commitment to its role in supporting sustainable development in friendly countries. We are currently discussing with the Kuwait Fund a new participation by the State of Kuwait in developmental projects, and there is consensus between the two parties on the importance of continuing this cooperation.

**Al-Nahar:** You spoke about the importance of water and agriculture. What can Tajikistan offer in this field?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Water is one of the most important resources in the world. This is not just my opinion, but a fact recognized by everyone. Without water, there is no life, especially in light of climate changes and rising temperatures witnessed globally. Tajikistan is a mountainous country, with about 93 percent of its territory being mountainous areas. There are large quantities of snow and ice on the peaks of its mountains, which are an important source of water resources. We also have fertile lands and a suitable climate for agriculture. Therefore, Tajikistan can produce a large percentage of its agricultural needs and can even be an important partner in achieving food security. Here, Kuwaiti investments can play an important role through joint agricultural projects that benefit both sides.

**Al-Nahar:** What about the Raghun Hydropower Plant project? What are the prospects for cooperation related to it?

**Ambassador Nazari:** There are discussions and negotiations, and we hope they develop into tangible projects. One of the strategic projects we are working on is the Raghun Hydropower Plant. This is a large and strategic project with a production capacity of more than 3,000 megawatts, which could reach about 3,700 megawatts upon completion. The project’s impact is not limited to electricity production; it will also contribute to providing opportunities for regional cooperation and can help export electricity to neighboring countries, including Afghanistan. The stability of Afghanistan is very important for the security and stability of the Central Asian region. The project is also linked to the Vakhsh River, one of the important rivers in Central Asia, which flows into the Amu Darya river system, historically known as the Oxus River. Upon completion of the project, there will be great potential to utilize water resources for irrigation and agriculture, opening additional fields for cooperation and investment.

**Al-Nahar:** Do you believe that the presence of a resident Kuwaiti ambassador in Dushanbe will help implement these plans faster?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Certainly. The presence of a resident Kuwaiti ambassador in Dushanbe will contribute significantly to implementing the directives and objectives set by the leaders of both countries. The resident Ambassador Al-Amir can meet directly with government officials, follow up on projects, programs, and plans, and work to accelerate their implementation. I am very happy to have a Kuwaiti ambassador in Tajikistan, and we are also pleased to have a resident Tajik ambassador in Kuwait, because the goal is one: to elevate relations between the two countries in all fields.

**Al-Nahar:** What about direct flights between Kuwait and Tajikistan?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Currently, there are direct flights operated by Jazeera Airways. These are seasonal flights starting in September and continuing until approximately May. We are working to convert these flights into permanent year-round flights, as the continuity of the air route is very important to enhance tourism, trade, investment, and communication between the peoples. We also hope to discuss the possibility of operating flights by Kuwait Airways.

**Al-Nahar:** What about tourism? Do you see Tajikistan as capable of attracting more Kuwaiti tourists?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Certainly, Tajikistan is a very beautiful country with stunning mountainous nature, good hotels, restaurants, and tourism facilities. There is also a significant convergence between the peoples in religious, cultural, and social aspects. I believe Kuwaitis will not feel like strangers in Tajikistan, just as we do not feel like strangers in the State of Kuwait. We also need more awareness of Tajikistan among Kuwaiti citizens, and to organize tourism and promotional events in Kuwait. We want to organize events to promote tourism and investment in Tajikistan and introduce available opportunities, contributing to increased communication between the peoples.

**Al-Nahar:** Tajikistan is a pioneering country in the water file globally. What are you preparing to offer in this field?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Tajikistan is one of the countries that has given great attention to the issue of water and was among the main initiators in adopting several UN resolutions related to water. Dushanbe has become an important center for international conferences related to this file. We are also preparing to host a major UN conference on water, in accordance with a resolution of the UN General Assembly. It will be an important global event, and we hope that the State of Kuwait will be present and participate in it. From here, I would like to thank Kuwait for its support for us at the UN in this field.

**Al-Nahar:** Tajikistan recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of independence. What does independence mean to you?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Thanks to independence, we became masters of our decisions, and decisions regarding the future of our homeland are in our hands. This is very important. In the past years, thanks to the strong will of the people, national unity, and wise and prudent leadership, Tajikistan has achieved remarkable progress, particularly in the field of security and stability. Security and stability are the foundation for any economic development. Without stability, one cannot speak of development, investment, or prosperity. Our economy and sectors such as agriculture and education have witnessed notable development.

**Al-Nahar:** How do you view Tajik-Arab relations in general?

**Ambassador Nazari:** There are deep historical, civilizational, and cultural ties linking Tajikistan to Arab countries. Islamic civilization represents an important bridge between our peoples. Islam reached the Central Asian region in the eighth century AD, and since then, historical relations and ties have emerged between the peoples of Central Asia and the Arab world. We are proud of our relations with Arab countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, and the Sultanate of Oman.

**Al-Nahar:** We know that you speak Arabic. How did your relationship with the Arabic language begin?

**Ambassador Nazari:** I learned the Arabic language in my youth at Tajik State University, in the Faculty of Oriental Languages, in the Arabic Department. This was in the 1980s, when Tajikistan was part of the Soviet Union. The first Arab country I visited was Yemen, where I spent about ten months in Sana’a and studied at Sana’a University. I clearly remember that when I arrived at the university, I saw a plaque indicating that Sana’a University was established with generous financial assistance from the State of Kuwait. This was something beautiful and moving for me, as I discovered from that time the depth of Kuwait’s role in supporting development in Arab countries.

**Al-Nahar:** You also worked as an ambassador in Cairo, didn’t you?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Yes, I worked as an ambassador in Cairo for about five years. I was a non-resident ambassador to Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, and South Africa. I was also the first representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Arab League. Before that, I worked in China, the United States, and Kazakhstan. I also worked in a regional economic cooperation organization comprising Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran. These experiences helped me greatly in understanding international relations and the region.

**Al-Nahar:** What about the Tajik community in Kuwait? Do you aspire to increase their numbers?

**Ambassador Nazari:** The Tajik community in Kuwait is not large, and most of those present are students studying at Kuwaiti universities. Their number is about a hundred students, perhaps more. I wish them, above all, to study well, to pay attention to the Arabic language, and to achieve success and prosperity, and to serve the friendship relations between Tajikistan and Kuwait in the future. We also hope to increase communication between community members and Kuwaiti society. We wish to enhance the presence of the community, and we also want to see more Tajik companies and projects in Kuwait. Conversely, we welcome Kuwaiti companies and investments in Tajikistan. I believe the field is open to the private sector in both countries.

**Al-Nahar:** Let us come to regional situations. How do you view Iranian attacks on Kuwait, especially since Kuwait is not a party to the conflict?

**Ambassador Nazari:** We are going through a difficult phase, but we must cross this phase with wisdom. The position of the Republic of Tajikistan is based on the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and settling disputes through peaceful means and negotiations. We are following the current situation in the region with concern and emphasize the importance of peaceful solutions. We have good relations with countries in the region, including Gulf states, and we are keen on their security and stability. We thank the State of Kuwait for its approach to spreading peace and security in the region and for its vision based on resolving issues through peaceful means and dialogue. We want to end the war and achieve peace and stability in the region. This war brings no benefit to the countries of the region, and the entire region is the biggest loser from what is happening.

**Al-Nahar:** Tajikistan has good relations with Iran, as well as with Gulf countries and the United States. How do you maintain this balance?

**Ambassador Nazari:** Our policy is based on good and balanced relations with various countries, dialogue, and mutual respect. We have deep historical and cultural relations with Iran. We also have excellent relations with Arab and Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and others. There are shared historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between the peoples of the region. We also believe that differences and disputes can be resolved through dialogue and negotiations if there is political will.

**Al-Nahar:** Finally, what is your message to the Kuwaiti people?

**Ambassador Nazari:** I am very happy to be in Kuwait, and I will work to implement the wise directives of the leadership of both countries and to elevate Kuwaiti-Tajik relations to a more advanced level. My message to the Kuwaiti people is that Tajikistan is a friendly and brotherly country, and we want it to be seen as a destination for tourism, investment, and cooperation. I wish the State of Kuwait and its people continued security, stability, and prosperity, and that our relations develop further. Let us move from agreements to projects, and from aid to investment and genuine partnership. I am confident that the doors of cooperation between the two countries are open, and that together we can build a better future for the relations of Kuwait and Tajikistan.