DUSHANBE, 15.12.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – Dushanbe and Islamabad are ready to expand cooperation in the energy and transport sectors, including on granting Tajikistan access to Pakistan’s ports of Karachi and Gwadar. This was announced on Wednesday in Islamabad by President Emomali Rahmon after talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif.

Shahbaz Sharif informed Emomali Rahmon about the activities of the seaport of Gwadar and suggested Tajikistan to use the facilities of the ports of Pakistan and the China-Pakistan economic corridor.

He emphasized that the ports of Pakistan are the shortest and most economical route for the countries of Central Asia, including Tajikistan, and provide opportunities to enter the markets of the Middle East and beyond.

“We have given priority to ensuring the further development of trade and economic cooperation and investment, especially in the energy and transport sectors. In the field of transport, we once again emphasize our readiness to expand cooperation, including for the access of Tajikistan to the Pakistani seaports of Karachi and Gwadar,” said Emomali Rahmon at a press conference.

The parties also exchanged views on the continuation of cooperation in the implementation of energy projects, including the CASA-1000 project.

President Emomali Rahmon said that during the talks the parties noted that the priority areas of bilateral cooperation could extend to light and food industries, agriculture, production of building materials, and medicine.