ISLAMABAD- Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to further deepen theirrelations in diverse fields with special focus on promoting trade andeconomic linkages.
The understanding came at a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan andTajik President Emomali Rahmon in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Later in a joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the twosides in their talks today have specially emphasized on promotion of traderelations. He was confident that the MOUs and the agreements signed withTajikistan will also go a long way in strengthening relations in the areasof education, defense, culture and art.
Imran Khan however noted that political settlement in Afghanistan after theUS withdrawal is of vital importance both for Pakistan and Tajikistan topromote their trade. He said there is a need of such a consensus governmentin Afghanistan which saves the country from plunging into anarchy.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Tajikistan are also faced with thechallenge of climate change and both sides have agreed to collectivelyraise their voice on the matter. He said Pakistan backs Tajik proposal ofdeclaring 2025 the International Year of Glacier Protection.
Alluding to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir(IIOJ&K), the Prime Minister said relations with India cannot normalizeuntil it reverses controversial steps of 5th August 2019.
In his remarks, the Tajik President said his country considers Pakistan asa reliable and trustworthy partner at the international stage.
Noting satisfaction over the high level exchanges between the twocountries, the Tajik President said we have also highlighted significantrole of Joint Inter governmental commission on trade, economic, scientificand technical cooperation.
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He said the two sides have agreed to resume business council as well as thejoint working groups on energy and infrastructure as soon as the situationimproves after Covid-19.
Emomali Rahmon expressed his country’s special interest in continuingfruitful cooperation of the two countries in implementation of energyrelated projects including CASA 1000.
The Tajik President also expressed his country’s interest in joiningregional transport corridor projects. He said we have also discussedTajikistan’s access to Karachi and Gwadar seaports.
Emomali Rahmon said the cooperation between the two countries inagriculture and food security will also help supply the region organicagriculture products.
The Tajik President reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support toPakistan’s continuous efforts in ensuring peace in the region andcountering the international terrorism.
The Tajik President and the Prime Minister also signed a joint declarationon next steps in building strategic partnership for regional solidarity andintegration.
