Political settlement in Afghanistan after US withdrawal is of vital
importance for Pak & Tajikistan to promote their trade: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD, (MANEND NEWS): Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to
further deepen their relations in diverse fields with special focus on
promoting trade and economic linkages.
The understanding came at a meeting between Prime Minister Imran
Khan and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Islamabad on
Wednesday.
Later in a joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the two
sides in their talks today have specially emphasized on promotion of
trade relations. He was confident that the MOUs and the agreements
signed with Tajikistan will also go a long way in strengthening relations
in the areas of education, defense, culture and art.
Imran Khan however noted that political settlement in Afghanistan
after the US withdrawal is of vital importance both for Pakistan and
Tajikistan to promote their trade. He said there is a need of such a
consensus government in Afghanistan which saves the country from
plunging into anarchy.
The Prime Minister 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.
Meanwhile Pakistan and Tajikistan have signed a number of
agreements and MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse
fields, including education, trade and economy, transport and art and
culture.
A ceremony to this effect was held in Islamabad on Wednesday. Prime
Minister Imran Khan and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon witnessed
the signing ceremony.

These agreements and MoUs are:
Academic Cooperation Agreement between Tajik Technical University
named after academician M. S Osimi and Indus University of Pakistan.
Agreement on Cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of the Tajikistan and Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Quetta, Balochistan.
Agreement on Cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Sialkot Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Pakistan.
Memorandum of Understanding between Lahore Chamber of
Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Memorandum of Understanding between Agency for State Financial
Control and Struggle against Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan
and National Accountability Bureau of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and
the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for Cooperation in the
Field of Prevention & Liquidation of Emergency Situations.
Agreement between the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of Art and
Culture.
Memorandum of Understanding between Tajik Institute of Languages,
Dushanbe Tajikistan and National University of Modern Languages
Pakistan.
Memorandum of Understanding between Technological University of
Tajikistan and COMSATS University Islamabad.
Agreement on International Road Transport Cooperation Programme
between Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tajikistan.
Earlier a formal welcome ceremony in honor of visiting President of
Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was held at the PM House in Islamabad on
Wednesday.

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.
Shortly, Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Emomali Rahmon
will lead their respective sides in the delegation-level talks.
The two sides will exchange views on deepening bilateral cooperation
in diverse areas, including political, economic, trade, investment,
energy, security and defence, culture, education and regional
connectivity.