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By APD writer Muhammad Sohail
ISLAMABAD July 5 (APD) -- Pakistan and Tajikistan Wednesday agreed on exploring new avenues of cooperation by increasing collaboration in economy, defense and security, agriculture and education, an official statement said.
The agreement was reached during Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s two-day official visit to Tajikistan starting on Wednesday.
PM Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon inked the Joint Declaration aimed at enhancing regional connectivity between the two countries and the region at large with a focus on trade and energy.
The two leaders emphasized close collaboration between Pakistan and Tajikistan both at the government and people level, besides giving a further boost to their bilateral relations.
The two leaders also witnessed inking of Memorandum of Understanding on trade cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Pakistan’s University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi and Agriculture University, Dushanbe.
In his statement to the press at the conclusion of his one-on-one and delegation-level talks with President Emomali, Pakistani PM said he was impressed by the "remarkable political stability, social cohesion and impressive economic progress" of Tajikistan.
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. My visit has provided an opportunity to translate their close political ties into strategic cooperation in all spheres,” said PM Sharif.
The two sides also agreed to continue cooperation in international fora 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.
It is PM Sharif’s fourth visit to Tajikistan since June 2014 while President Rahmon has made two visits to Pakistan.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
