Tajikistan urges developed Arab states to support Muslim countries

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

The second session of the Arab Economic Cooperation Forum with Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan kicked off in Dushanbe on October 16.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted the great importance of this high-level event while addressing a welcoming speech, Avesta reported.

In particular, the president proposed the creation of a special Fund, which should be replenished by contributions from developed Arab countries.

The collected funds should be directed to support the developing Muslim countries if necessary, said Rahmon.

The head of Tajikistan noted that the billions of dollars of rich Arab countries are in European and American banks. He called for sending a small portion of these funds to support developing Muslim countries. However, "this support should be disinterested," he said.

Rahmon drew the attention of the forum participants on the rich resources of Tajikistan, inviting the developed Arab states to invest in the country.

"The business and investment circles of the Arab countries, as reliable development partners, using the above opportunities and privileges, could establish constructive cooperation with public and private companies in Tajikistan in various fields. Rich natural resources and unique nature of Tajikistan can be a good source of income for Arab investors," he stressed.

Representatives of 28 countries at the level of foreign and economy ministers participate in the work of the Arab Economic Cooperation Forum in Dushanbe.

The forum is expected to issue the Dushanbe Declaration.

The idea to organize the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan was firstly initiated at the 130th session of the Council of the League of Arab States in 2008.

The first session of the Forum of foreign, economy and finance ministers level was held in Riyadh in 2014 under the theme of “Investment prospects and trade exchange.” The Riyadh Declaration was adopted as the final act and the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the League of Arab States with Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.