DUSHANBE, (Tajikistan) July 5 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Dushanbe on a two-day official visit of Tajikistan.
Prime Minister of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzada along with the cabinet ministers of Tajikistan received Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at Dushanbe international airport.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, federal ministers Khawaja Mujammad Asif and Khurram Dastagir are accompanying the Prime Minister.
A welcome ceremony will be held in the palace of nation, where the President of Tajikistan Emom Ali Rehmon will receive Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz sharif.
Prime Minister will meet the Tajik leadership and the delegation-level talks will be held here between the two countries.
The Prime Minister is visiting Tajikistan on the invitation of President of Tajikistan Imam Ali Rehman.
PM Nawaz Sharif will attend a quadrilateral summit of CASA-1000 member states. Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will also attend the summit. This project aims developing energy corridor and land connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will also provide electricity produced in Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A trilateral summit between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the visit to hold discussions on regional topics of mutual interest.
The leaders of two countries will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, including trade and investment, energy cooperation and regional connectivity will be the key focus of their talks.
They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with particular attention to Pakistan’s policy of a peaceful neighbourhood. The two sides will sign MoUs and agreements on different fields during the visit of prime minister.
Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close and cooperative relations, which are underpinned by commonalities of history, culture and faith. These ties are characterized by mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region.
The two countries also share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely in the regional and multilateral forums.
Pakistan was among the first few countries that recognized the independence of Tajikistan, established diplomatic relations and opened a resident mission in Dushanbe. The visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the prime minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increasing regional connectivity.
A joint declaration entitled “road towards strategic partnership for regional solidarity” will be signed during the visit.
APP/ Hamza/mka/ VNS Dushanbe
