President Emomali Rahmon has received a high state award from Kazakhstan. On November 7, 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented the Tajik leader with the Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui in recognition of his contribution to regional stability, cultural heritage and relations between the two countries, according to the official information published by Akorda.
The ceremony took place during Rahmon's official visit to Astana, where the two presidents also held talks on bilateral cooperation, DKNews.kz reports.
Tokayev described the decoration as a symbol of the centuries-old friendship, shared cultural heritage and spiritual connections between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Tokayev highlights the shared cultural heritage of Central Asia
Opening his remarks, the Kazakh President emphasized the historical significance of the ceremony and the intellectual traditions that connect the countries of Central Asia.
He drew particular attention to Qoja Ahmet Yasaui, the renowned poet, philosopher and spiritual teacher whose legacy has influenced generations across the region.
«Our region has given the world a constellation of outstanding thinkers, scholars, poets and enlighteners whose legacy has extended far beyond individual countries and peoples. One of the most prominent figures of the brilliant era of the Islamic Renaissance is Qoja Ahmet Yasaui. The name of this great poet and enlightener holds particular significance for us, Kazakhs, and is, in essence, sacred in our historical memory. At the same time, the legacy of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui belongs to all civilization and, of course, to the peoples of Central Asia, where shared spiritual traditions have taken shape and developed over centuries,» said the President of Kazakhstan.
Tokayev presented Yasaui's legacy as a common cultural and spiritual inheritance that continues to connect the peoples of the region.
Why Kazakhstan established the Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui
The President explained that Yasaui's teachings emphasize moral responsibility, justice, compassion and respect for others.
He linked these values to Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen public ethics and promote social responsibility.
«These teachings have, in fact, shaped our worldview, mentality and way of life. For many centuries, they have united people and strengthened their faith in goodness and constructive endeavor. Yasaui’s views were ahead of their time and therefore continue to serve as a kind of moral compass, pointing the way towards a righteous life. As you know, dear Emomali Sharipovich, as a result of reforms, our society is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. The formation of a new social ethic holds a special place in this multifaceted work. High moral values, including justice, diligence, integrity and patriotism, which lie at the heart of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui’s teachings, are becoming an integral part of our country’s public consciousness. Attaching exceptional importance to Yasaui’s legacy, I proposed establishing a new state award in honor of the great scholar, philosopher, enlightener and mentor,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev remarked.
The Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui was established to honor the philosopher's intellectual and spiritual legacy.
By presenting the award to the President of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan also emphasized the role of shared historical traditions in modern diplomatic relations.
Tokayev recognizes Rahmon's role in Tajikistan's development
Addressing his counterpart, Tokayev spoke about Rahmon's role in Tajikistan's modern history and the challenges the country has faced.
He credited the Tajik leader with efforts to strengthen state institutions, maintain social stability and preserve the country's cultural heritage.
«An immense historical responsibility fell to you – to lead the country during a difficult period, a challenging, one might say, dramatic period, and to guide Tajikistan along the path of peace, unity and constructive endeavor. Under your strong and wise leadership, Tajikistan has consolidated its statehood, ensured social harmony and is confidently pursuing a course of steady progress. That is why the Tajik people call you their national leader and pay tribute to your historic service to the Motherland. In Kazakhstan, too, you are regarded as an outstanding statesman whose contributions to your own people and to the peoples of Central Asia can hardly be overstated. You have consistently devoted great attention to strengthening spiritual foundations and preserving historical memory and national cultural heritage. Your initiatives to promote the history and culture of the Tajik people and the works of outstanding thinkers and poets deserve the highest respect,» the Head of State emphasized.
The remarks reflected Kazakhstan's official assessment of Rahmon's contribution to bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Order recognizes cooperation and stability in Central Asia
Tokayev placed particular emphasis on the Tajik President's role in developing relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
He said the award recognized Rahmon's contribution to preserving cultural values, supporting regional stability and strengthening friendship between the two countries.
«Your personal contribution to strengthening stability and security in Central Asia is invaluable. Your recognized authority, extensive experience in state affairs and consistent commitment to the ideals of peace and cooperation help strengthen mutual understanding and trust in our region. In recognition of your outstanding services in preserving spiritual and cultural values, strengthening peace and stability, as well as your contribution to developing friendship and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, I have decided to award you, dear Emomali Sharipovich, the Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui. This high award embodies the sincere respect of the people of Kazakhstan for you personally and for the entire fraternal Tajik people. I am confident that today’s ceremony will become another vivid symbol of the unbreakable friendship between our countries. I wish you, dear Emomali Sharipovich, boundless energy and further success in your responsible work, and the fraternal Tajik people peace, well-being and prosperity under your leadership,» the President of Kazakhstan concluded his remarks.
The ceremony underscored the political importance Kazakhstan attaches to its strategic partnership and allied relations with Tajikistan.
It also followed bilateral negotiations in Astana focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and other sectors.
Rahmon thanks Kazakhstan for the state decoration
President Rahmon expressed gratitude for the award and described it as recognition of the relationship between the two countries.
He emphasized that the decoration was meaningful not only to him personally but also to the people of Tajikistan.
«I consider this award further confirmation of the high level of mutual respect and trust between our states. I regard it, above all, as recognition of the contribution of the entire people of Tajikistan to consistently strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation with fraternal Kazakhstan. It is gratifying that relations between our countries today are developing steadily across all key areas of interstate ties. I am confident that our allied relations and strategic partnership will continue to strengthen for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. Thank you very much once again,» said Emomali Rahmon.
The Tajik leader reaffirmed his country's intention to continue developing its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan.
What the award means for Kazakhstan–Tajikistan relations
The presentation of the Order of Qoja Ahmet Yasaui adds a symbolic dimension to the ongoing political and economic dialogue between Astana and Dushanbe.
The two countries maintain close relations in trade, transport, energy, education and cultural cooperation.
During the November 7 negotiations, the presidents also discussed opportunities to expand practical cooperation and implement existing agreements.
The award ceremony highlighted the importance of shared cultural heritage in supporting those ties.
By honoring Rahmon with an order named after one of Central Asia's most influential historical thinkers, Kazakhstan connected its diplomatic relationship with Tajikistan to the region's broader intellectual and spiritual traditions.
The leaders expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to develop through political dialogue and cooperation across economic and humanitarian sectors.
Earlier, we reported on Tokayev's proposal to increase regional trade to $20 billion, highlighting efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, transport connectivity and regional partnerships across Central Asia.
