Peace in Afghanistan imperative for trade with Tajikistan: PM
Peace in Afghanistan is imperative for trade with Tajikistan: PM
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday has said that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for trade with Tajikistan.
While holding a joint press conference with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, the premier said Pakistan and Tajikistan are also faced with the challenge of climate change and both sides have agreed to collectively raise their voice on the matter. He said Pakistan backs Tajik proposal of declaring 2025 the International Year of Glacier Protection.
Alluding to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), the Prime Minister said relations with India cannot normalize until it reverses controversial steps of 5th August 2019.
In his remarks, the Tajik President said his country considers Pakistan as a reliable and trustworthy partner at the international stage.
Noting satisfaction over the high level exchanges between the two countries, the Tajik President said we have also highlighted significant role of Joint Inter governmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation.
He said the two sides have agreed to resume business council as well as the joint working groups on energy and infrastructure as soon as the situation improves after Covid-19.
Emomali Rahmon expressed his country’s special interest in continuing fruitful cooperation of the two countries in implementation of energy related projects including CASA 1000.
The Tajik President also expressed his country’s interest in joining regional transport corridor projects. He said we have also discussed Tajikistan’s access to Karachi and Gwadar seaports.
Emomali Rahmon said the cooperation between the two countries in agriculture and food security will also help supply the region organic agriculture products.
The Tajik President reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support to Pakistan’s continuous efforts in ensuring peace in the region and countering the international terrorism.
The Tajik President and the Prime Minister also signed a joint declaration on next steps in building strategic partnership for regional solidarity and integration.
Earlier in the day, a formal welcome ceremony in honor of visiting President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was held at the PM House in Islamabad. On arrival at the PM House, Prime Minister Imran Khan received the visiting dignitary.
A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented guard of honor to the Tajik President. National anthems of both the countries were also played on the occasion.
The Tajik president also planted a sapling in the PM House under Billion Tree Tsunami drive.
It is to be mentioned here that Tajik president had arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit today. Federal Minister Khusro Bakhtiyar received him at Nur Khan Airbase.
