ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation in trade, energy and connectivity. Understanding was reached during meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in Astana, on sidelines of 6th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Two leaders agreed on early completion of CASA-1000 project, which would be a harbinger of future energy corridors with Central Asia. Both leaders agreed on further increasing high-level contacts, inter-parliamentary ties and technical level meetings to promote substantive cooperation. Discussing regional and global issues of mutual interest, they agreed to work together to strengthen peace, stability and security in region.  

Prime Minister Shehbaz updated Tajik President on rehabilitation work being undertaken by Pakistan in flood affected areas of country. He called for joint efforts to cope with increasing danger of climate change induced natural disasters. Tajik President assured Prime Minister Shehbaz of Tajikistan’s continuous support in this regard, including dispatch of an additional convoy of trucks carrying essential flood relief items.

Recalling his meeting with Tajik President on sidelines of SCO Summit at Samarkand last month, Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over steadily increasing bilateral engagement in diverse areas. Prime Minister stressed on enhancing connectivity via road transport and air links and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to provide access to Tajikistan to Gwadar and Karachi ports. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 14 2022

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