Pakistan, Tajikistan agree to deepen bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday met his counterpart Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit.

The president is on an official visit to China to attend the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.

Both leaders held indepth consultations on matters of mutual interest. They reviewed progress in bilateral relations, expressed satisfaction on close fraternal relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two brotherly nations.

They noted the bilateral economic potential between Pakistan and Tajikistan and agreed to make joint efforts to substantially increase bilateral trade.

The two leaders also examined the prospects of cooperation in areas of trade and economy, investment, culture, education, science and technology, defence and people-to-people contacts.

Referring to Pakistan’s energy requirements, President Hussain stressed early completion of CASA-1000 and expressed Pakistan’s interest in promoting connectivity with Central Asia through Tajikistan.

He mentioned that Pakistan looks forward to participating in the next meeting of Council of Heads of Government of SCO member states which will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in October 2018.

Tajik president expressed his desire to further strengthen brotherly relations to enhance economy, prosperity and wellbeing of the two nations.

The two leaders also discussed regional situation and reiterated their commitment for regional peace and stability.