Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Dushanbe hosted a meeting of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Tajikistan, on July 5.

The sides held high-level talks, following which a number of new documents on cooperation were signed.

Rahmon and Sharif inked a Joint Declaration aimed at enhancing regional connectivity between the two countries and the region at large.

They emphasized close collaboration between Pakistan and Tajikistan both at the government and people level, besides giving a further boost to their bilateral relations.

With a focus on regional connectivity, trade and energy, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed on exploring new avenues of cooperation by increasing collaborating in economy, defense and security, agriculture and education.

The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation on international arena including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Organization. Vowing joint steps against terrorism, the two sides agreed on holding first meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Working Group on countering international terrorism.

Rahmon and Sharif also witnessed signing of MoU on trade cooperation and the MoU on cooperation between University of Arif Agriculture, Rawalpindi and Agriculture University, Dushanbe that was inked by its Rector NaimatUllah Faiz ullah and Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Following the signing ceremony, a joint press conference was held.

The Prime Minister hailed the “remarkable political stability, social cohesion and impressive economic progress” of Tajikistan in his speech for the press.

He said the two sides discussed the importance of road, rail and air connectivity and said it was vital for regional integration, promotion of bilateral trade, tourism, people to people contacts.

“We have therefore resolved to multiply our efforts to increase connectivity between our two countries,” he said.

Sharif said the two sides identified the need for increased cooperation in agriculture, industry, education and culture.

The Tajik President, in turn, expressed hope that Pakistani investors would join trade free zones in Tajikistan. He noted that Tajikistan, being a land locked country, is keen to use opportunities of Pakistani ports for exporting Tajik goods to the rest of the world.

He also said both sides exchanged views on regional situation and need to expand ties at ECO, OIC and SCO.

Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close and cooperative relations, which are underpinned by commonalities of history, culture and faith. These ties are characterized by mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

The two countries also share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely in the regional and multilateral forums.

Over the past few years the bilateral trade between the two countries has hovered between $40-90 million, however the two countries have agreed on boosting it to $500 million.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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