10 December 2002
Text: Joint Statement on U.S.-Tajikistan Relationship
(Bush, Tajik President issue statement in conjunction with Rahmonov's
visit) (800)
President Bush and President Emomali Rahmonov of Tajikistan issued a
joint statement on relations between the two countries in conjunction
with Rahmonov's visit to the United States December 8-10 at Bush's
invitation.
In addition to meeting Bush, Rahmonov was scheduled to hold
discussions with Vice President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State
Colin Powell and other top U.S. officials.
Following is the joint statement:
(begin text)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
December 10, 2002
JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BUSH AND PRESIDENT RAHMONOV ON THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
We declare our commitment to continue the development of our long-term
strategic partnership and cooperation between our nations, based on
our common goal of promoting peace, security, economic development,
and democracy in the Republic of Tajikistan and in Central Asia.
We note the deepening relationship between our two countries,
demonstrated by the appointment of the first Tajik Ambassador in
Washington and the beginning of construction for a new U.S. Embassy in
Dushanbe. This growing relationship is based on our common goals of
security, prosperity, and liberty for the citizens of our nations. We
will continue to work together to advance these goals through
cooperation on economic and political reform and poverty reduction in
Tajikistan, with the aim of more fully integrating the Republic of
Tajikistan into the global economy and raising the standard of living
and respect for human rights. Further, we will maintain our security
relationship, working together to combat threats to peace worldwide
while further developing Tajikistan's independent ability to address
these threats.
We are cognizant of the threats that international terrorism, the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and narcotics
trafficking pose to Tajikistan, to Central Asia and to the entire
world, and will work together and with others to address these threats
while respecting human rights. Further, we pledge to continue the war
against terror to a successful conclusion, both in Afghanistan and
worldwide. We recognize the threat that the Taliban and al-Qa'ida
posed to regional security and the key role Tajikistan plays in the
global coalition against terror. We have worked together closely, and
will continue to do so, to combat the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
and other extremist forces in Central Asia. We welcome the removal of
the Taliban from power in Afghanistan, while noting with concern the
presence of Taliban and Al-Qa'ida remnants that wish to continue to
destabilize the regional situation. Our two countries pledge to
support the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan in its efforts
to rebuild that country and integrate it into the broader
international structure. We will make all necessary efforts to
facilitate the provision of aid to Afghanistan, and urge our global
partners in this effort to fulfill their pledges of reconstruction
aid.
We jointly note the threat that the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction poses to international peace and security, and declare our
steadfast opposition to such proliferation. In this regard, we commend
the United Nations Security Council for its unanimous passage of
Resolution 1441, and call on the Government of Iraq to comply fully
with the terms of the resolution by allowing unfettered inspections
and destroying all of its weapons of mass destruction.
Recognizing the importance of democratic political systems, rule of
law, and market-oriented economic policies in providing for the
welfare and stability of our societies, we pledge to further develop
the economic relationship between the United States and the Republic
of Tajikistan, while working jointly to carry out democratic and legal
reforms within Tajikistan that expand fundamental freedoms and human
rights.
We further underscore the importance of rule of law as a prerequisite
for economic development. The United States welcomes the efforts
Tajikistan has made to integrate its economy into the global market,
and will continue to assist Tajikistan in reforming its legal
structures to better provide for rule of law and economic freedom with
the goal of encouraging investment in the Republic of Tajikistan.
We state our commitment to the principles of democracy and human
rights, and pledge to work jointly to extend and strengthen civic
institutions such as free and independent media, democratic elections,
political pluralism, and civil society. In this spirit, we reaffirm
our commitment to basic human rights as enshrined in the founding
documents of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe, of which we are both members. We further make
clear our concern regarding the worldwide problem of trafficking in
persons, and pledge our mutual assistance to combat in both of our
countries this modern form of slavery. Finally, we confirm our joint
efforts to enhance understanding between the citizens of our two
countries. In this regard, the U.S. government has initiated a
substantial program to enhance computer connectivity for Tajikistan's
schools, and the U.S. Peace Corps will consider sending an assessment
team to Tajikistan in 2003 with the view of establishing a country
program there.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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