Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, energy and connectivity. Chairing the delegation-level meeting in Dushanbe, the two leaders emphasised on close collaboration between Pakistan and Tajikistan at the levels of governments and people. The Prime Minister arrived in Dushanbe Wednesday to attend the launching ceremony of CASA-1000 project to be held Thursday.
Nawaz said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Central Asia, particularly Tajikistan. He said CASA-1000 would prove a significant milestone for Pakistan to minimise its electricity shortage. Both leaders agreed that connectivity holds key to regional integration and expressed satisfaction over the recent launch of direct flights of Tajikistan''s Somon Air from Lahore to Dushanbe. Nawaz said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would provide new opportunities for enhanced connectivity and integration from Gwadar to Kashghar, besides providing a road link with Tajikistan through Murghab and other Central Asian states.
He offered Tajikistan to use Pakistani sea ports for imports and exports that provide the shortest route to sea. The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to security cooperation with Tajikistan, and proposed sharing of experiences on counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, controlling human trafficking and border control practices. President Emomali Rahmon welcomed the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will also facilitate connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan and other Central Asian States. He acknowledged Pakistan''s support to the request by Tajikistan to accede to the Quadrilateral Agreement on Traffic in Transit among China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.
The delegation-level meeting was attended by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PM''s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Secretary Water and Power Younus Dagha and Pakistan''s ambassador to Tajikistan Tariq Iqbal Soomro. Earlier, on arrival at Tajik capital, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was accorded a red carpet welcome.
Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda received Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his delegation at the Dushanbe Airport. Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and PM''s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi accompanied the Prime Minister. A red carpet was rolled out for the Prime Minister. Two children presented bouquets to him and a contingent of static guards presented him salute. Several arrays of children attired in colourful traditional dresses lined up at the airport to greet the visiting dignitary.