Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Tajikistan aims to mend ties that have been icy since the 1990s. During his visit, he expressed feeling at home in Tajikistan and discussed cooperation in several areas. This visit is part of Iran’s strategy to regain influence in Central Asia, coinciding with Pezeshkian’s upcoming trip to Moscow for further strategic alliances.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Tajikistan on Thursday to solidify diplomatic relations with the Central Asian nation after years of strained interactions. Despite shared linguistic and cultural connections, tensions between Tehran and Dushanbe have existed since the civil conflict in Tajikistan during the 1990s. Pezeshkian emphasized his positive sentiments, stating, “I feel like I’m in Iran. I don’t feel like that anywhere else in the world,” after being greeted warmly by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Iran aims to enhance its influence in Central Asia, a region currently dominated by Russia and China. The ongoing geopolitical shifts, particularly stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have opened opportunities for Turkey and Western nations as well. Pezeshkian expressed confidence in the potential for cooperation in diverse areas, including education, politics, culture, and security.
Pezeshkian’s visit is anticipated to usher in a new chapter in Iran-Tajikistan relations, which have often been historically connected linguistically and culturally. The geographic divide created by Afghanistan complicates this relationship despite the common Persian language spoken in both nations.
The Tajik government has previously accused Iran of supporting Islamist groups during the civil war and maintaining ties with banned political parties in Tajikistan. Efforts to improve relations were initiated by former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and have continued under President Pezeshkian’s administration.
The article discusses Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Tajikistan, aimed at fostering improved relations after a period of tension. The historical background indicates that relations were negatively impacted by past conflicts, particularly the Tajik civil war in the 1990s. Linguistic and cultural ties exist between the nations, yet mistrust has lingered due to accusations surrounding Iran’s support for Islamist factions. Pezeshkian’s initiative seeks to pave the way for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.
In conclusion, President Pezeshkian’s visit to Tajikistan signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two countries, which have experienced historical tensions. The Iranian administration is keen on establishing a stronger foothold in Central Asia amidst a changing geopolitical landscape. By promoting collaboration, both nations could benefit from enhanced ties in various sectors while addressing any lingering concerns related to regional security.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
