Meeting of the anti-corruption agencies of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

The heads of the anti-corruption agencies of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan met in Dushanbe and discussed strengthening cooperation between the countries in this area.

Photo: Internet

According to the press service of the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight Against Corruption of Tajikistan, on December 15, a meeting took place in Dushanbe between the head of the agency, Sultonzoda Sulaymon, and the director of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan, Burkhanov Akmal.

It was reported that representatives of the two countries discussed ways to prevent corruption and strengthen the fight against it.

During the meeting, the parties reported on the work done within the framework of the “Action Plan for the Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight Against Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan” for 2022-2023.

Details of this meeting were not disclosed. It is unknown what results the parties achieved and what documents were signed. Typically, during meetings of anti-corruption agencies, issues of detention and extradition of individuals who are wanted, cooperation in preventing and reducing corruption, as well as experience exchange in this area are discussed.

Corruption is widespread in both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It is unclear how these two countries, which rank among the highest in the world in terms of corruption levels, can cooperate with each other in this area.

For example, according to a ranking compiled by the reputable company Transparency International in 2021, Uzbekistan ranked 143rd out of 180 countries in the world with an index of 28. Tajikistan ranks 153rd with an index of 25, alongside Iran and some African countries.

This indicates that corruption is deeply rooted in these countries, and despite efforts to combat corruption and bribery, they cannot eliminate this major factor that undermines the economy and development. In Tajikistan, high-ranking officials from law enforcement and judicial bodies have been arrested and imprisoned on corruption charges.

Experts believe that the main reason for the spread of corruption in these countries is that the highest leadership of the country is itself involved in corruption. In their opinion, in countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, etc., all government positions, including positions in judicial and anti-corruption bodies, are bought and sold, and those who obtain positions in exchange for large sums are bound to engage in bribery.