PM, Tajik President discuss power supply, road link

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Friday were briefed over the CASA-1000 project for the supply of electricity from Central Asia to Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif said they have held cordial and fruitful discussion on all dimensions of bilateral relations.

Yesterday, Pakistan and Tajikistan inked accords in diverse fields including a Treaty on extradition, an Agreement on energy cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on establishment of Joint Business Council.

Earlier, the prime minister received the Tajik president, who had arrived in the capital on Wednesday evening, at the PM House. “A meeting on the sidelines of the visit will help the two business sectors interact and enter into joint ventures”, he added.

He also mentioned the successful Single-country, “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition in Dushanbe last month.

He expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan had steadily risen from 15 million dollars in 2011 to 89 million dollars in 2014.

During the two day visit to Pakistan by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, he discussed regional situation and ways and means to further consolidate the cooperation in different fields, said a joint statement issued following the completion of the two day visit of President Emomali by the Foreign Office.

He said Pakistan wants an early implementation of CASA-1000 project, which is an important project to help overcome energy shortage in the country. PM Sharif and President Rahmon warmly shook hands and greeted each other.

Pakistan, he said, attaches great importance to security cooperation with Tajikistan and proposed to share the experiences on counter terrorism anti narcotics controlling human trafficking and best border control practices.

“We reviewed our ties and agreed to build on the potential of our relationship for the mutual advantage of the two peoples”, Nawaz said. He also stressed the need to set up air links between Pakistan and Tajikistan on priority basis. “Likewise, Tajikistan is the gateway to these countries for our access”, Sharif said.

He then proceeded for a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sharif, where both leaders reportedly emphasized on the need for closer collaboration between Pakistan and Tajikistan at the levels of governments and people. Nawaz said he shared his vision for peaceful neighbourhood which is essential for social economic development of our people.