Turkey and Tajikistan enjoy close relations based on strong historical and cultural ties. They share a rich common cultural heritage that derives its strength and vitality from world-renowned personalities such as Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi.

Turkey recognized Tajikistan as an independent state on 16 December 1991. Shortly thereafter, on 29 January 1992, the two states established diplomatic relations. The Turkish Embassy in Dushanbe was opened on 22 March 1992, whereas the Tajik Embassy in Ankara was inaugurated on 16 October 1995. The Turkish Embassy remained operational during the civil war in Tajikistan. The official visit of President Suleyman Demirel to Dushanbe in 1995, at a time when most of the diplomatic missions and foreign companies were leaving the country, is still fresh in the memories of our Tajik friends as a gesture of true solidarity and friendship.

Today, Turkish-Tajik relations are defined by friendship, mutual respect and cooperation. Bilateral cooperation which stagnated during the civil war has gained pace in recent years. There is a strong political will on both sides to further relations in all fields.

The close political dialogue has been institutionalized at the highest level with the establishment of Cooperation Council during the visit of H. E. President Imamali Rahman to Turkey on 17-18 December 2012. Taking place at the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the visit added momentum to the development of bilateral ties. The visit was also notable for H.E. President Rahman’s participation in the Seb-i Arus Ceremony held in the memory of Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi in Konya.

Turkey and Tajikistan maintain regular bilateral contacts at different levels. Major visits conducted in recent years includeForeign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s visit to Dushanbe in October 2016,Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes’ visit to Dushanbe in February 2017,Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız’s visit to Dushanbe in April 2018,the Deputy Speaker of Assembly of Representatives Mr. Akramsho Felaliev’s visit to Turkey in October 2018, Tajikistan Parliament Turkey Friendship Group's visit to Turkey in April 2019 and Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin's visit to Turkey in April 2019.

There are well-established consultations mechanisms between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries. The latest rounds of political consultations and consular consultations were held in March 2019 and August 2017 in Dushanbe respectively.

Turkey and Tajikistan also cooperate closely at the multilateral level, including the UN, the OIC and ECO. A solid record of mutual support exists with respect to candidacies at the international organizations.

TIKA Coordination Office in Dushanbe as well as Dushanbe Turkish Language Education Center (TÖMER) contribute to the efforts to strengthen economic, social and cultural ties.

Last updated: May 2019