Islamabad, June 20, 2018 (PPI-OT): At the invitation of President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President Mamnoon Hussain is visiting Tajikistan from 18-21 June 2018. He will also be participating in the High-Level International Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, to be held on 20 June 2018 in Dushanbe. This is the President’s first visit to Tajikistan.
The President of Pakistan was received by the Tajik President at the Qasr-e-Millat where he was presented a Guardof Honour. The President also laid a wreath at the Monument of Ismail Somoni, the founder Tajik State. The President held tete-e-tete with President Emomali Rahmon followed by delegation level talks. They reviewed Pakistan-Tajikistan relations and examined prospects to enhance cooperation in areas of trade and economy, investment, culture, education, science and technology, defence, parliamentary exchanges, humanitarian issues and people-to-people contacts.
President Emomali Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan’s desire for further intensifying bilateral cooperation in all fields, terming Pakistan as a key partner in the region. Noting regular high level exchanges, he underlined the importance of closer economic and investment ties in the areas of science and technology, agricultural products, industry, hydro power generation, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
President of Pakistan underlined the importance of connectivity based on the geographical proximity of the two countries. He reiterated that establishment of air, road and rail links are crucial for enhancing bilateral trade and people-to-people contact between the two countries. The President highlighted the importance of deepening engagement with Tajikistan in counter-narcotics and combating terrorism for regional peace and stability.
The two Presidents’ expressed satisfaction at the current development of bilateral relations. Both emphasized the need to step up efforts for reaching the target of US$ 500 million in bilateral trade at the earliest. The two sides agreed that bilateral security and defence cooperation was developing satisfactorily.
The two sides also noted the progress on CASA-1000 project and agreed on fast tracking its implementation. It was agreed to further consolidate the bilateral relations in all areas of mutual importance. The sides expressed satisfaction at their ongoing collaboration at the UN, ECO, SCO and OIC. The President of Pakistan extended an invitation to the Tajik President to visit Pakistan which he accepted. Dates of the visit will be decided later through diplomatic channels.
The two leaders signed a Joint Declaration titled “Strengthening the Road to Strategic Partnership for Regional Integration” and witnessed the signing of two bilateral agreements, namely, Memorandum of Understanding On Cooperation in the Field of Information Between the Committee on Television and Radio of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between The Office Of The Auditor General Of Pakistan And The Accounts Chamber of Republic of Tajikistan on Co-Operation on Auditing in Public Sector. The two Leaders also held a joint press stakeout. The President of Tajikistan also hosted State Banquet in the honour of President Mamnoon Hussain.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk