Tajikistan President slated to visit Kuwait this year

• Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov mentioned that twenty Tajik students are currently studying Arabic in Kuwait.

• Tajikistan has significant animal wealth, as well as vegetables, fruits, and nuts that could be supplied to Kuwait.

• The direct flight route between Kuwait and Dushanbe, operating three times a week, aims to boost tourism between the two nations.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan H.E. Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov announced that the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was slated to visit Kuwait this year at the invitation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Ambassador Zubaydov disclosed news of the visit during a reception he held last week at the embassy for members of the Tajik community who had come to greet him on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. In his address to compatriots, the ambassador stated: “This year is very important for the two countries because it will witness several important developments in various fields, including a visit to Kuwait by the President of Tajikistan in the last quarter of the year, and the holding of the Joint Economic Committee of the two countries, as well as consultations covering political, economic, and commercial topics between officials from both nations.”

He went on to add, “We aim to enhance our relations with Kuwait across various domains, and this year will also witness the organizing of a Tajik Cultural Week in Kuwait,” Ambassador Zubaydov also revealed that currently more than twenty Tajik students are enrolled in Arabic language courses at Kuwait University’s Faculty of Arts, and that the goal is to expand this number in the future.

Elaborating on the planned visit of his country’s president, the ambassador said that during the visit discussion will be held on various topics, including on providing food security to Kuwait. He highlighted that Tajikistan has significant animal wealth, as well as vegetables, fruits, and nuts that could be supplied to Kuwait.

Regarding tourism, Ambassador Zubaidov confirmed that the launch of direct flights between Kuwait and Dushanbe was aimed at boosting tourism in his country. Revealing that last year only around 500 Kuwaitis visited Tajikistan, compared to over one million tourists from around the world, the envoy expressed regret that many Kuwaitis still remain unaware of the many attractions of Tajikistan, despite the fact that Tajikistan’s history is intertwined with Arab and Gulf history for over a thousand years.

Turning to investment opportunities in Tajikistan, the ambassador noted that there are many opportunities for Kuwaiti businessmen to invest in his country, along with many facilities such as tax exemptions. He pointed out that the most important projects in his country currently are hydroelectric projects, given that about 60 percent of Central Asia’s waters are located in Tajikistan. He explained, “The Kuwaiti Fund is involved in some of our infrastructure projects.”

Expanding on the role of Kuwaiti diwaniyas in strengthening people to people relations between Kuwait and other countries, Ambassador Zubaydov said, “During Ramadan, I visited about 70 diwaniyas, where I spoke with everyone and invited them to visit Tajikistan. We have luxurious hotels, and Kuwaitis do not need an entry visa. The distance between our countries is less than three hours flying time from Kuwait, and our country is very affordable. The food is excellent, security is plentiful, and people are very hospitable and ispeak English, Arabic, and Persian.”