PM Modi at Joint Press Statement with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan

Published By : Admin | December 17, 2016 | 17:22 IST
PM Modi holds a Joint press conference with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon
India and Tajikistan enjoy a rewarding partnership in capacity and institution-building: PM
Tajikistan is a valued friend and strategic partner in Asia: PM 

His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan paid a State visit to India from 14-18 December 2016 when his official program included ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, meetings with President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Banquet hosted by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee.

President of Tajikistan and Prime Minister of India held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues. The discussions were warm and cordial reflecting the mutual trust that exists between the two strategic partners with deep connections in history, language, traditions, arts and culture. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between the two secular, peace loving, neighbouring countries. Noting that 2017 will mark the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Tajikistan they reaffirmed their commitment to take bilateral relations to greater heights.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his highly successful visit to Tajikistan in July 2015 and said that he cherished the warm hospitality that he received during that visit and valued the fruitful discussions that he had with President Rahmon in July 2015 in Dushanbe and in June 2016 on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Tashkent.
The two leaders reviewed the bilateral defence and security cooperation and decided to further extend and expand existing cooperation. They welcomed the successful conclusion of the Foreign Office Consultations on 17th November 2016 and the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation on 2nd November 2016 and agreed that this kind of consultations along with Joint Commission of Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and regular consultations between National Security Council must continue for mutual benefit.

The two leaders discussed situation in the region and stressed that terrorism and extremism seriously threaten peace, stability and progress for all countries.

The two leaders agreed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be eliminated without any distinction between good and bad terrorists and called for an end to sponsorship, support and provision of safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral counter terrorism cooperation, expand security and defence ties and work for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN General Assembly.

Reaffirming their shared interest in fostering peace, stability and development in Afghanistan for regional security and stability, the two leaders called for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and national reconciliation. As neighbours of Afghanistan, India and Tajikistan will work together to contribute to Afghan peace and prosperity.
The two leaders stressed on the importance of taking joint measures to expand and diversify present bilateral trade, which is below potential. They welcomed the holding of business to business meetings in Dushanbe in March 2016 and participation of Tajik officials and businessmen in major fairs and exhibitions in India. Tajik Side invited Indian investment in Tajikistan including in the four free economic zones that exist in Tajikistan. Recalling Indian contribution in rehabilitation of Varzhob-I Hydel Power Plant, Tajik Side informed that Tajikistan is planning to build a number of small and medium hydroelectric power projects and invited investments from Indian companies.

The two leaders stressed the importance of improving regional connectivity for realizing the full potential of trade and underlined the importance of International North South Transport Corridor in this context. President Rahmon welcomed signing of trilateral agreement among India, Iran and Afghanistan on establishing Chahbahar Transport and Transit Corridors adding that among other avenues it provides connectivity of Tajikistan to warm waters and also to large market of India.

Tajik side appreciated India as a partner in development. Both sides took note of projects under implementation as also those in the pipeline in diverse fields including information technology, agriculture, heath care, training and capacity building, education and culture. President Rahmon thanked India for setting up of computer labs in 37 schools of Tajikistan as announced during Prime Minister’s visit to Tajikistan in July 2015. The two leaders decided to collaborate for capacity building in Tajikistan in the area of application of space technology for human development. They reiterated their interest in cooperating in the farming sector for self-sufficiency in food. They agreed that sustainable generation and distribution of energy is important for regional development. President Rahmon lauded the initiatives of the International Solar Alliance and noted that solar energy projects could be very useful in remote mountainous areas of Tajikistan.
The two leaders called for exploring the possibility of increasing flight operations between the two countries. They asked respective officials for bilateral consular consultations to explore ways for easier business, medical and tourist and other visas to promote people to people exchanges.

Prime Minister Modi and President Rahmon agreed to celebrate the 25th year of establishment of Diplomatic relations in a befitting manner through festivals, cultural events, conferences and other means of mutual interaction. The two leaders called for greater exchanges of films, TV program and other cultural creations between the peoples of the two countries.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent cooperation between India and Tajikistan on multilateral issues and mutual support for the initiatives of the two countries in the United Nations and other international forums. President Rahmon thanked India for cosponsoring resolution strongly moved by Tajikistan for declaration of years 2018-28 as International Decade of Action: Water for Sustainable Development.

The two leaders called for comprehensive reforms of the UN structures. President Rahmon reiterated support of Tajikistan to India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council. He also welcomed India's imminent full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

President Rahmon thanked the Indian leadership and people of India for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during his visit to India. He extended invitations to Prime Minister Modi and President Mukherjee to visit Tajikistan.

 

Click here to read full text speech

Explore More
78મા સ્વતંત્રતા દિવસનાં પ્રસંગે લાલ કિલ્લાની પ્રાચીર પરથી પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીનાં સંબોધનનો મૂળપાઠ

લોકપ્રિય ભાષણો

78મા સ્વતંત્રતા દિવસનાં પ્રસંગે લાલ કિલ્લાની પ્રાચીર પરથી પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીનાં સંબોધનનો મૂળપાઠ
PLI, Make in India schemes attracting foreign investors to India: CII

Media Coverage

PLI, Make in India schemes attracting foreign investors to India: CII
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.