Scorching temperatures plague Tajikistan amid global heat wave

Residents of Tajikistan and many other countries have been grappling with exceptionally high temperatures in recent weeks, with the mercury soaring as high as 40 degrees Celsius.

According to forecasts, this summer could be the hottest on record globally. In Tajikistan, the prolonged heatwave has caused significant inconvenience for the population, with a surge in patients seeking treatment for food poisoning, dehydration and sunburns.

"My advice is not to eat greasy food in hot weather and not to dine in public eating places. It is the season for fruits and vegetables. You can have salads with fresh yogurt, watermelon, cantaloupe and other fruits. Avoid using cold carbonated drinks to cool down - green tea is a much better option. I will choose Chinese tea. Room temperature water is also a choice," said nutritionist Saidamir Mukhiddinzoda.

Doctors warn that those with chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, are the most vulnerable to the extreme temperatures.

"The hot weather is putting a lot of strain on the heart, and diabetes patients can experience severe dehydration. The heat is also dangerous for asthma patients due to the accompanying dust. It's best to stay indoors in air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day, take steps to increase the indoor humidity, and drink enough water. It's safe to walk only before 10:00 and after 17:00," said Rustam Kurbonalizoda, deputy chief physician at the Third Comprehensive Hospital in the capital Dushanbe.

As the scorching heat persists, the demand for taxis has increased in Dushanbe, with electric vehicles from China proving particularly popular.

"When the weather is hot, the air conditioning in gas-powered cars often malfunctions due to overheating. But we don't encounter this problem in the electric cars we drive. Orders have also increased, but passengers' waiting time for accepting orders is 10 to 15 minutes longer than before," said a local taxi driver, Jamoliddin Kabirov.

Residents say that electric taxis provide a more comfortable ride, with drivers more willing to keep the air conditioning running during the scorching conditions.

Scorching temperatures plague Tajikistan amid global heat wave

Scorching temperatures plague Tajikistan amid global heat wave

Iran is willing to keep strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation with China, President Masoud Pezeshkian told reporters on Monday in the capital Tehran.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during his first news conference since taking office in late July.

Iran was admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a member state in 2023 and has achieved full membership in the BRICS group from January 1, 2024.

When asked how he views the prospect of China-Iran relations, Pezeshkian hailed China's successful mediation that led to the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia while eying deeper bilateral cooperation with China.

"Iran has always maintained good relations with China. Chinese mediation to resolve Iran-Saudi disputes marks a big step towards regional harmony. Iran is a comprehensive strategic partner of China. We will work to strengthen [bilateral relations] and implement relevant agreements. We hope to advance that cooperation," he said.

When it comes to tensions in the Middle East, Pezeshkian accused Israel of trying to drag Iran into the conflict and undermining regional peace by assassinating former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran has remained restrained but reserves the right to self-defense under specific conditions, he stressed.

The Iranian president also condemned Israel for committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, urging the international community to condemn and stop these actions.

On relations with the United States, Pezeshkian noted that Iran seeks peace instead of war, and has no plans to develop nuclear weapons. However, the United States has torn up the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran.

The improvement of U.S.-Iran relations depends on whether the United States will remove its hostility towards Iran and lift the sanctions, he said.

He called on countries in the region to strengthen solidarity, bridge differences, and stop the crimes committed by Israel. Iran stands ready to continue enhancing cooperation with friendly countries such as China within the framework of multilateralism to achieve win-win results, said Pezeshkian.

Iran stands ready to strengthen bilateral ties with China: president