Kulob, October 6, 2026 – The Europe Today: President of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon, has highlighted the country’s achievements over 35 years of independence, emphasizing the strengthening of national statehood, peace and stability, economic development and improvements in living standards.
Addressing celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s state independence in the ancient city of Kulob, President Rahmon congratulated the residents of the city and the people of the country on the occasion.
He also congratulated the people of Tajikistan on State Language Day, describing the Tajik language as one of the country’s national treasures and an important element of its cultural identity.
Rahmon said that 35 years ago, the Tajik people achieved their long-standing aspiration of establishing an independent and sovereign state. During this period, he said, the country had strengthened the foundations of national statehood, restored peace, stability and national unity, consolidated the basis for socio-economic development and enhanced Tajikistan’s standing internationally.
He attributed the country’s achievements, including the construction of roads, bridges, power plants and industrial enterprises, as well as progress in education, healthcare and culture and improvements in living standards, to independence and the dedicated work of the Tajik people.
The President highlighted Kulob’s historical significance, noting that the ancient city has a history spanning more than 2,700 years and occupies a special place in the history and civilization of the Tajik people.
He said the inclusion of dozens of historical and cultural monuments in Khatlon Province under the designation of “Ancient Khuttal” on UNESCO’s World Heritage List represents international recognition of the region’s ancient cultural and civilizational heritage.
Rahmon also recalled the contribution made by the people of Khatlon Province, particularly residents of Kulob, during the difficult early years of independence toward restoring the constitutional order and strengthening peace and stability in Tajikistan.
He said Kulob had undergone significant transformation in recent years through continued state support and the constructive efforts of its residents.
According to the President, 493 production and social facilities had been commissioned in Kulob by October 1, 2026, in preparation for the 35th anniversary of state independence, exceeding the planned target. A further 41 facilities were commissioned during his working visit.
More than 3.9 billion somoni from the state budget has been allocated for the city’s socio-economic development since independence, while around 1 billion somoni in foreign direct investment has been attracted to its economy.
The President said 25 state investment projects had been implemented in education, healthcare, roads, energy and other sectors, while another 20 projects were currently under implementation.
He noted that 77 industrial enterprises are currently operating in Kulob and that industrial output increased by more than 18 percent during the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period of the previous year.
Rahmon also highlighted improvements in housing, education and healthcare. Since independence, residential buildings covering a total area of 618,000 square meters have been constructed and commissioned in the city, while more than 8,000 families have been allocated plots for residential construction.
A total of 53 educational institutions with 17,000 student places have been built and commissioned during the independence period, while construction of another 20 educational facilities with more than 7,000 places is underway in 2026.
He added that 84 healthcare facilities had been constructed and commissioned in Kulob during the independence period.
As a result of socio-economic development and improved living conditions, the city’s population increased from 142,000 in 1991 to more than 244,000 in the first half of 2026, representing an increase of 1.7 times.
The President expressed appreciation to residents, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who contributed to the development and beautification of Kulob, particularly during preparations for the 35th anniversary of state independence.
He said the development of Kulob would remain a priority and that state support through various projects and programmes would continue.
Rahmon also highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the 132-kilometer Bokhtar-Kulob railway, completed in 1999, and the reconstruction and modernization of Kulob Airport, which subsequently received international status.
During his visit, 29 newly constructed facilities were inaugurated in the city, including two road bridges with a combined length of 233 meters on the Guliston-Kulob route and 63 kilometers of reconstructed internal roads supported by local entrepreneurs.
The President also laid foundation stones for the construction of the 33-kilometer Guliston-Kulob road, valued at 720 million somoni, and a 12-kilometer Kulob-Shamsiddin Shohin road project worth 300 million somoni, as well as several industrial enterprises.
Rahmon expressed confidence that the projects would be completed in the near future and contribute to further development and prosperity in Kulob.
Addressing the city’s cultural heritage, he praised Kulob’s artisans for promoting Tajik culture internationally. He particularly highlighted falak music and chakan embroidery as distinctive elements of Tajik cultural heritage that contribute to presenting the country as a nation with a rich cultural and civilizational legacy.
The President expressed confidence that the people of Kulob would continue preserving national traditions, customs and cultural heritage while contributing to development, construction and the prosperity of Tajikistan.
He concluded by congratulating the people of Kulob on the 35th anniversary of state independence and wishing them health, happiness, prosperity and continued success.
