[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 50 (Monday, December 16, 2002)]
[Pages 2149-2150]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.

[[Page 2150]]

    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.