ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will pay an official visit to Tajikistan on July 5-6 on the invitation of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation.
“Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close and cooperative relations, which are underpinned by commonalities of history, culture and faith. These ties are characterised by mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region. The two countries also share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely in the regional and multilateral forums,” stated a press release issued on Monday.
Pakistan was among the first few countries that recognized the independence of Tajikistan, established diplomatic relations and opened a resident mission in Dushanbe.
“The visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increasing regional connectivity. At Dushanbe, the leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, including trade and investment, energy cooperation and regional connectivity will be the key focus of their talks. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with particular attention to Pakistan’s policy of a peaceful neighbourhood,” the statement said.
A joint declaration titled: ‘Road towards strategic partnership for regional solidarity’ will be signed during the visit. A meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) will also coincide with the visit of the PM. The JBC will consider steps to enhance bilateral trade and commercial ties.
Tajikistan is also hosting a Quadrilateral Summit of CASA-1000 member states, namely; Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. This project aims developing energy corridor and land connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will also provide electricity produced in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Published in Daily Times, July 4th , 2017.
