Islamabad, 15 December 2022 (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and President of Tajikistan, Emamoli Rahmon in a bilateral meeting exchanged views to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
Earlier in the meeting, Tajikistan’s President was accorded a red-carpet welcome at the Prime Minister’s House on his arrival on Wednesday. President Rahmon reviewed the guard of honor, presented by a contingent of the three services.
During the delegation-level engagement, both leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interests.
A joint communique on the official visit of the Tajikistan President’s to Pakistan said the leaders of the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the existing fraternal ties which were based on a shared history, culture, geographical contiguity, and common faith.
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In a meeting, Both agreed to scale up the existing level of cooperation by focusing on energy, trade, and security. Two sides exchanged views to promote investment, and enhance trade and culture between Pakistan and Tajikistan, Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Tajikistan shared their remarks at Joint Press Stakeout at the Prime Minister’s House, Islamabad after the delegation-level bilateral engagement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks
Tajikistan’s President’s visit to Pakistan would usher in a new era of cooperation and development between the two countries, Prime Minister said.
He further mentioned that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Tajikistan 30 years ago and ever since relations between both countries are cordial and friendly.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif added that Tajikistan, being a gateway of central Asia holds a key position in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He further said it’s our challenge to transfer excellent relations into mutually beneficial partnerships.
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During a joint press stakeout, the Prime Minister of Pakistan desired the early completion of the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) power project to meet its energy needs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan wanted the establishment of energy, rail, and road connectivity with the diverse energy resources-rich Central Asian Republics (CARs) for the development and prosperity of the entire region.
President of Tajikistan’s remarks
Tajikistan’s President Emoomali Rahmon, reciprocating warm feelings for the government and people of Pakistan, said that his country attached high priority to its ties with Pakistan.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that the MoUs signed between the two countries would give new impetus to these relations. President Emoomali Rahmon said that both countries shared commonalities which further served to strengthen bilateral ties.
President added that during the high-level delegation meeting, both sides discussed government-to-government level contacts, security, economic situation, global economic decay, energy and connectivity activities, and linking of Gwadar port.
The two sides also exchanged views on ASA-1000, cooperation in agriculture, energy connectivity, joint ventures in food technology, trade, science and technology, and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, President noted.
Tajik’s President emphasized the significance of joint efforts for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He also noted Pakistan & Tajikistan’s close cooperation at the global level including the UN, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other multilateral fora.
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