ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan wants early implementation of CASA-1000 project which is important to overcome energy shortage in the South Asian country.
The (Central Asia South Asia) CASA-1000 is a project of regional energy cooperation among Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan as well as Kyrgyzstan and it will enable Pakistan to import 1,000MW of electricity to meet its growing energy needs.
“Pakistan wants strong trade and economic relations with Tajikistan,” Sharif said while having delegation talks held in Islamabad with the visiting Tajik delegation led by President Emomali Rahmon.
The two sides discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation in energy, security, trade, cultural and communication fields.
They exchanged views to increase contacts on people to people basis between the two countries and exchange of delegations. They also discussed matters relating to counter terrorism and controlling human and drug smuggling.
On the occasion, Sharif said that Pakistan also want to increase ground and air contacts with Tajikistan.
The prime minister said that Pakistan gives extreme importance to its relations with Central Asian Republics.
In his remarks, the Tajik president stressed the need for enhancing people to people contacts between the two countries.
Earlier, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was given warm welcome on his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
The prime minister received the Tajik president who had arrived in the Capital Wednesday evening on a two-day official visit. The two leaders warmly shook hands and greeted each other.
A contingent of tri-services guard presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary who also reviewed the parade. The national anthems of the two countries were played.
