Why it matters:
This visit marks a renewed push by the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and environmental ties with Central Asian countries, especially Tajikistan — a nation with deep historical and cultural links to Iran. The agreements may also open up new regional cooperation frameworks in water, energy, and environmental security.
What he's saying:
Speaking at the National Museum of Tajikistan, where he toured various sections of the institution, he underscored the deep-rooted cultural, historical, and linguistic commonalities between the Iranian and Tajik people.
Many of the artifacts displayed here are familiar to us Iranians, which demonstrates the profound cultural and civilizational ties between our two nations,” Aref stated. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural institutions and supporting academic bodies in both countries to further introduce and preserve their shared heritage.
He noted that Iran’s participation in the International Conference on the Protection of Glaciers, alongside bilateral meetings with Tajikistan’s president and prime minister, were key components of the visit. “The Islamic Republic presented its positions regarding water scarcity and environmental challenges, calling for regional collaboration to protect natural glaciers and address water shortages,” he said.
Key points:
- Iran and Tajikistan signed multiple agreements and a strategic cooperation roadmap aimed at significantly expanding diplomatic, economic, and environmental ties between the two countries.
- The agreements emphasize cooperation on major regional issues, including water scarcity, glacier preservation, energy transmission, tourism facilitation, and the development of a railway link between the two nations.
Go deeper:
Iran and Tajikistan, both Persian-speaking nations, share deep-rooted linguistic, cultural, and historical ties. Despite geopolitical complexities in the region, Iran views Tajikistan as a strategic partner in Central Asia.
This visit signals Tehran’s intent to transform those cultural affinities into concrete partnerships, especially in infrastructure, environmental policy, and economic exchange.
With regional water scarcity looming as a critical challenge, the inclusion of glacier protection and water cooperation underscores a forward-looking regional agenda.
ahmad shirzadian
