    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 10, 2002]
    [Pages 2182-2183]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Emomali
    Rahmonov on the Relationship Between the
    United States of America and the Republic of Tajikistan
    December 10, 2002

        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

    [[Page 2183]]

    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.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.