The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain paid an official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, 18-19 June 2018. Also the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain will participate in the International High-Level Conference on International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Sustainable Development,’ 2018-2028 on 20-21 June 2018. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the accompanying delegation were accorded warm welcome.

2. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon held one on one meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain followed by delegation level talks.

3. The visit provided an opportunity for the two Leaders to exchange views and hold in-depth discussions on the bilateral, regional and international issues.

4. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan congratulated the Republic of Tajikistan on its initiative to hold the International High-Level Conference on International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Sustainable Development,’ 2018-2028. The Leaders affirmed their commitment for achieving universal and equitable access to safe and clean drinking water through improved water and sanitation management as envisaged in the UN SDGs.

5. The two Leaders:

— Acknowledged the importance of frequent interaction for strengthening the road to strategic partnership and to work for stronger regional solidarity;

— Acknowledged the shared bonds history, culture and values between the peoples of Tajikistan and Pakistan;

— Reiterated the importance of international and regional fora for providing a platform for meaningful interactions and common grounds for meeting bilateral, regional and global ideals, including the importance of cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations, such as the UN, OIC, ECO, SCO and others; underscored the importance of calling for more united and comprehensive action for connectivity in all sectors within the region;

6.  The two Leaders expressed satisfaction over the steady development of bilateral relations and noted that vast potential existed for expansion of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education, science, culture, energy, transport, defense and security.

7. The two Leaders acknowledged the importance of regional connectivity by setting up rail, road, air and digital networks, for boosting trade and economic relations and increasing trust among countries of the region for greater stability and security. All relevant authorities, including aviation from both sides need to accelerate the process of connectivity networks and resumption of air services. Pakistan also fully supports Tajikistan’s desire to access Gwadar seaport.

8. Both sides called for Investments/Joint Ventures in Special/Free Economic Zones of their respective countries.

9. Pakistan and Tajikistan welcomed the decisions taken during the third meeting of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Working Group for implementation of CASA-1000 Project held in July 2017, regarding strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, infrastructure and connectivity. Timely completion of important regional project CASA-1000 was also reemphasized.

10. The two Leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing security, technical and military cooperation between the two countries and committed to further strengthening cooperation.

11. Pakistan’s membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization provides yet another opportunity for extensive integration within the region.  Pakistan is committed to promote the “Shanghai Spirit” which lays emphasis on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development.

12. Pakistan welcomed Tajikistan Chairmanship of Economic Cooperation Organization and extended full support to the ECO projects and initiatives under its Chairmanship of the organization.

13. Conscious of the regional security situation, the two Leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation against common global threats — extremism, terrorism, drug-trafficking and other transnational organized crimes. The successes achieved by Pakistan in combating terrorism and extremism through operations Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasad and National Action Plan, have greatly contributed to peace and security in the region.

14. The two Leaders reaffirmed their resolve to support the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, that being crucial for establishment of peace and stability in the region. They reiterated the importance for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The two Leaders underscored the important role of regional cooperation to promote peace and development in Afghanistan.

15. The two Leaders underscored the need for resolution of all regional and global disputes through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with International Law and principles of the UN Charter.

16. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain thanked the President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon, and the people of Tajikistan for the warm and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan invited the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to visit Pakistan at a convenient time. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.

Signed in Dushanbe, on 19 June 2018.