ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored the need for further enhancing trade, energy and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
In a meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmanov in Islamabad during which the two leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved so far in the economic sphere particularly with regard to Central Asia South Asia (CASA-1000) Project, the prime minister emphasized the nature of close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan based on shared goals of peace, prosperity and progress.
The meeting followed the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit which ended in Islamabad today with the unanimous resolve of the member States to build and promote mult-dimensional connectivity.
The prime minister stressed that regional connectivity is crucial for ECO and the outcome of the 13th ECO Summit will enhance cooperation among ECO member states in areas of trade, energy, agriculture and industry.
Nawaz Sharif also expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives and destruction of infrastructure due to impact of recent adverse weather in Tajikistan. He informed the Tajik president that Pakistan would provide assistance worth of Rs 500 million for the people of Tajikistan at this difficult juncture.
The Tajik president thanked Pakistan for supporting the in principle approval of Tajikistan’s accession to the Quadrilateral Transit Traffic Agreement (QTTA) which would enhance connectivity and trade between the two countries.
The president also lauded Pakistan on hosting the 13th ECO Summit and extending warm hospitality.
President Emomali Rahmanov reaffirmed the commitment of Tajikistan to further strengthen the relations between the two Countries in all spheres including political, trade, energy and defence.