President Mamnoon Hussain and President of Tajikistan Mr. Emomali Rahmon have agreed that bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries in trade, energy, regional connectivity, infrastructure development, security and defence sectors would pave the way for welfare and progress of the people of two countries.
The two leaders agreed on this during a meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday evening.
Earlier, Mr. Emomali Rahmon President of Tajikistan was warmly received on his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr by President Mamnoon Hussain and children clad in traditional dress presented bouquets to him. The two leaders had one on one meeting which was followed by delegation level meeting between the two countries. President Mamnoon Hussain also hosted a State Banquet in honour of President of Tajikistan and his delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Governors of Punjab and Balochistan and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan were also present in the State Banquet.
President Mamnoon said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will provide Tajikistan with road connectivity and access to our ports. The President stated that Pakistani nation is keenly looking forward to the early completion of CASA-1000 project adding that its completion would not only help Pakistan meet its growing energy needs, but would also generate substantial revenue for Tajikistan.
The President underlined that Pakistan and Tajikistan can jointly overcome the challenges of organized cross border crimes and narcotics-trafficking. The President said that Pakistan fully supports Tajikistan’s initiatives for regional peace and progress. He stated that Pakistan is ready to facilitate Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process for bringing about peace and tranquility in Afghanistan, if so desired by the Afghan Government. The President said that a stable Afghanistan is vital for peace and prosperity of the whole region.
On the occasion, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon said that Pakistan is his second home and he does not consider himself a guest here. President Emomali stated that his country is desirous of having joint ventures and close cooperation with Pakistan. President Emomali stated that work on CASA 1000 would begin by the mid of next year. President Emomali also extended invitation to President Mamnoon Hussain to visit Tajikistan.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that centuries-old historical and cultural affinities exist between the two countries adding that both countries are committed to the realization of shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity not only in their respective countries but in the entire region. The President stated that Pakistan is keen to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
President Mamnoon expressed his desire for regular political and economic dialogue at all levels with Tajikistan to fast-track the completion of ongoing projects. The President further said that geostrategic location of both brotherly countries would have positive impact on the progress and welfare of the people of Pakistan and Tajikistan. The President expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade between the two countries has enhanced and hoped that it would increase to the level of US $500 million adding in this regard Business Forum and Business Council of the two countries should meet regularly. The President observed that Pakistan’s recent accession to TIR (International Road Transport) Convention will also help in facilitating and enhancing bilateral trade.
The Pakistani delegation consisted of Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Water and Power and Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Commerce, Mr. Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Minister of State for Communications and Mr. Tariq Fatemi, SAPM for Foreign Affairs.
The Tajikistan delegation comprised of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Minister of State Material Reserves, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, President of Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and Assistant to the President of Tajikistan on Foreign Relations.
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