DUSHANBE: Pakistan and Tajikistan have expressed their resolve to multiply efforts to increase their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
In a joint press conference after talks in Dushanbe on Wednesday, the two leaders expressed their common desire to take bilateral relationship to new heights.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides expressed satisfaction over pace of cooperation in economy, investment, trade, commerce, energy, defence production and industry. They noted that work on the crucial project of CASA-1000 was progressing smoothly.
The prime minister expressed the confidence that more business and trade opportunities would be explored by the two sides during meeting of the Joint Business Council. He also announced the opening of Commercial Section in Pakistan Embassy in Dushanbe to boost bilateral trade.
The prime minister said the two countries have decided to strengthen their cooperation at the international and regional forums including the UN and ECO. He said the two sides have expressed satisfaction over bilateral defence and security cooperation, and added that the first meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism would meet this month in Dushanbe.
“Pakistan and Tajikistan are tied by historical and cultural bonds. These bonds have been further strengthened by closer cooperation and regular exchange of high level visits since Tajikistan’s independence in 1991,” he said.
“Pakistan and Tajikistan have a common understanding on many issues. We believe that all regional and global issues must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means within the framework of international law. We remain advocates of a peaceful neighborhood and peace for development. The courage to remain steadfast to the principles of peace, however, must never be mistaken for weakness,” the prime minister said.
“We discussed the importance of road, rail and air connectivity, which is crucial for regional integration and the promotion of bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. We have, therefore, resolved to multiply our efforts to increase connectivity between our two countries. Views were also exchanged on our common vision of a more connected future through the use of Gwadar and Karachi port,” he added. “We have noted with satisfaction that our political and defence relations are on the rise. In our meetings, we have agreed to work towards improving our relations in the fields of economy, investment, trade and commerce, energy, defence production, agriculture, industry, education and culture,” he said.
“Our bilateral trade needs to be invigorated. In this regard, the second meeting of Joint Business Council between the two countries is being held on the sidelines of my visit. A Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum was also organized in Dushanbe last month where business persons from the two sides in the pharmaceuticals, textiles and construction sectors participated,” he said.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan were based on the principles of sovereign equality and respect for each other. He said the two countries were desirous of peace and stability, which was necessary for progress and development.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also held meeting with his Tajik counterpart Kokhir Rasulzodawhere the two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest.
Both the leaders stressed the need to explore new avenues of cooperation with a particular focus on expanding cooperation in trade and economy, agriculture and education sectors. They pointed the need to determine new traditional and non-traditional trading goods and services. In this regard, they directed the Joint Ministerial Commission to formulate a comprehensive framework. Both the sides also agreed on the need to hold exhibitions to promote their products. Prime Minister Qohir welcomed Pakistan’s inclusion into the SCO and hoped it would be beneficial for the security of the entire region. Both the leaders agreed that completion of CASA-1000 project by 2018 would be beneficial for the people of the region.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s offer to Tajikistan to utilise its ports for connectivity with the rest of the world to boost their exports. He said Gwadar was the gateway to other Central Asian countries and beyond.
They also noted the need of resumption of flights between the two countries to boost people-to-people and business-to-business contacts.
Published in Daily Times, July 6th , 2017.
