Tajikistan, US discuss expanding ties at independence anniversary event in Washington

Representatives of the U. S. State Department and Congress, diplomats, business and academic figures, and members of the Tajik diaspora gathered in Washington on September 9 to mark the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence and discuss bilateral relations. The event was attended by U. S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, representatives of U. S. government agencies, senators and members of Congress, diplomats, and representatives of business, investment, scientific and academic circles, Tajikistan’s Embassy in the United States reported. Tajik Ambassador to the United States Zavqi Zavqizoda spoke about Tajikistan’s socioeconomic development since independence and the country’s relations with Washington. According to Zavqizoda, Tajikistan’s economy has grown by an average of 7.

7% annually over the past 25 years, while the country has moved from the low-income to the middle-income category. He highlighted the energy sector, noting that around 98% of Tajikistan’s electricity is generated from renewable hydropower. He also spoke about the construction of the Roghun Hydroelectric Power Plant and the country’s water resources. Dushanbe seeks closer ties with Washington Zavqizoda also highlighted the November 6, 2025 meeting between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and U. S. President Donald Trump in Washington. According to the ambassador, the meeting gave fresh impetus to cooperation in politics, trade and investment, industry, aviation, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, healthcare, tourism and regional security. Paul Kapur congratulated the people of Tajikistan on the 35th anniversary of independence and highlighted the development of bilateral relations and Tajikistan’s role in regional stability and security,…