DUSHANBE, 02.06.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Islamabad has hosted talks between the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan.

The official welcoming ceremony and introduction of the members of the two nations’ delegations was held before the start of the talks. President of Tajikistan and Prime Minister of Pakistan met in the restricted format before continuing talks with the participation of their respective delegations.

The talks focused the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, trade, investment, energy, transportation, communication, security, defense, culture, science, education, and major international and regional issues.

«We consider Pakistan’s geostrategic location as important and its influence in the South Asian region and the Islamic world and we are ready to use all opportunities to further strengthen relations and cooperation between our countries,» said President Rahmon.

During the meeting, the leaders underlined the importance of stepping-up trade and economic and investment cooperation and agreed to resume Tajik-Pakistani Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and the Joint Business Council as well as the Joint Working Group on Energy and Infrastructure.

The implementation of energy related projects including CASA 1000 is a supreme example of cooperation between the two countries.

While touching on expanding of transport sector President Rahmon expressed Tajikistan’s interest in joining access to Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi seaports.

The launch of cargo flights between the two countries has been cited as a factor in increasing trade between the two countries.

In connection with the development of cooperation in industry, the officials proposed to establish cooperation in light industry and processing, as well as pharmacy, the establishment of joint industrial enterprises for the production of food products in free economic zones of Tajikistan with the participation and investment of Pakistani companies.

During the discussion of security issues, it was noted that Tajikistan and Pakistan are natural partners in the fight against global threats, including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime.

Due to the latest development in the neighboring Afghanistan, Tajikistan seeks the ensuring of peace and stability in it as soon as possible.

The officials expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan will continue to expand and serve the interests of the two friendly peoples.

President Rahmon invited the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan to pay an official return visit to Tajikistan.