PM calls for enhancing Pak-Tajik trade, investment ties

Dushanbe: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for enhancing trade, investment and connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Addressing a joint news conference, along with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, he emphasized to further enhance cooperation in diverse fields, including agriculture, education, health and trade.

Shehbaz Sharif said today numerous Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the two countries, will be helpful in furthering our relations. He said strategic partnership agreement is of great importance. He congratulated the Tajik side for joining hands to sign this agreement which will further brotherly relations and expanding avenues of cooperation in times to come.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for building rail connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan to all the way to port of Karachi.

As regards, bilateral cooperation, the Prime Minister said CASA1000 is likely to be completed next year. This will bring prosperity to the region.

The Prime Minister further said that he held one on one meeting with the Tajik President, who talked of China-Tajikistan and Afghanistan corridor.

Talking about the menace of terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said both Pakistan and Tajikistan have paid great sacrifices in fight against terrorism. Highlighting Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism, he expressed the resolve to defeat this menace through collective efforts. He said Pakistan is ready to offer its cooperation in fighting the scourge of terrorism.

 Mentioning the global challenges, the Prime Minister condemned the ongoing oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gaza. He said peace in South Asia will remain elusive till the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in light of the UN Security Council resolutions.

Shehbaz Sharif also thanked President Emomali Rahmon and the people of Tajikistan for giving a warm welcome to his delegation. He extended invitation to the Tajik President to visit Pakistan.