Nawaz arrives in Tajikistan for two-day visit

Pakistan and Tajikistan also signed an agreement and four MoU's.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Tajikistan for a two-day visit on Tuesday at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

He was received at the airport by deputy prime minister Azeem Ibrihim. The visit is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, while giving details of the visit, said that Nawaz will be accompanied by a delegation including the Water and Power Minister Abid Sher Ali, Minister of Textile Industry Abbas Khan Afridi, the minister of state for foreign affairs and other senior officials.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its deep historical bonds with Central Asia and is committed to expanding mutually-beneficial cooperation with all countries in the region.

The premier's visit to Tajikistan is reflective of this high priority and the commitment to further deepen Pakistan's engagement with Central Asia.

The spokesperson said relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan are marked by cordiality and close cooperation in diverse fields. The two countries share similar views on major regional and international issues and collaborate closely in multilateral fora including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

During his stay in Dushanbe, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with Tajik Deputy Prime Minister Azeem Ibrahim on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they emphasised on matters of bilateral interest and cooperation in the sectors of energy and trade.

Pakistan and Tajikistan also signed an agreement and four Memoranda of Understanding under which the two countries will cooperate with each other for the eradication of terrorism, promotion of technical cooperation for the uplift of textile industry, professional and technical training and cooperation for the promotion of culture.

CASA-1000, a project for regional energy cooperation among Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, will also be discussed during future meetings, the spokesperson said.

Nawaz is also likely to exchange views with the Tajik leadership on the developments in Afghanistan.

Pakistan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Tajikistan soon after the latter gained independence in 1991. Bilateral ties between the two countries are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.