Pakistan, Tajikistan to bolster bilateral cooperation in diverse fields

DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan wants to boost bilateral cooperation with Tajikistan in all fields. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon expressed their resolve following talks between the two leaders in Dushanbe on Wednesday. In a joint presser, they expressed their common desire to take bilateral relations to new heights.

PM Sharif said the two sides expressed satisfaction over the pace of cooperation in economy, investment, trade, commerce, energy, defence production and industry. He noted with satisfaction that work on the crucial energy project of CASA-1000 was progressing smoothly.

He also expressed confidence that more business and trade opportunities would be explored by the two sides during the meeting of the Joint Business Council. He announced opening of a commercial section in Pakistan Embassy in Dushanbe to boost the bilateral trade.

The premier said Pakistan wants to expand its cooperation with Tajikistan in all fields. He said there are bright prospects of expanding bilateral relationship on multiple fronts.

Sharif said it was desire of Pakistan to increase bilateral trade with Tajikistan to 500 million dollars annually. “The two countries are cooperating with each other in realizing this objective. Pakistan has organized three trade exhibitions in Dushanbe in 2015 and arranged Business Forum in Tajikistan this year,” he added.

Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan wants Tajikistan to organize the similar trade fairs in Pakistan. He expressed the confidence that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would strengthen connectivity in the region. “Pakistan’s entire infrastructure including Gwadar Port, roads and rail network is available for Tajikistan,” he told Tajik President.

PM Sharif said defence and law enforcing institutions of Pakistan and Tajikistan are working together for elimination of the menace of terrorism. Pakistan and Tajikistan signed two agreements in Dushanbe for strengthening cooperation in agriculture and trade sectors.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan are based on the principles of sovereign equality and respect for each other. He said the two countries are desirous of peace and stability, which is necessary for progress and development.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also held meeting with his Tajik counterpart Kokhir Rasulzoda in Dushanbe on Wednesday. They exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest and discussed measures to increase trade and investment.