PM Shehbaz, President Rahmon agree to boost bilateral cooperation, trade

DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon held in-depth and wide-ranging discussions covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

At the invitation of the government of Tajikistan, Sharif arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday to participate in the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (ICGP) being held from May 29 to May 31 May.

Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda received the Pakistani prime minister upon arrival at Dushanbe.

In the evening, the prime minister held a bilateral meeting with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.

During the meeting, both the leaders fondly recalled the signing of historic Strategic Partnership Agreement during the Pakistani prime minister’s visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which laid a strong foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared interests.

Reaffirming the fraternal ties existing between the two countries marked by shared history, culture and geography, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and resolved to elevate the strategic cooperation to a new level, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples.

They reviewed bilateral cooperation across all areas, including political, trade and economic, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity.

They agreed to actively pursue new avenues for cooperation, with a focus on fostering investment opportunities, enhancing educational linkages, prompting cultural exchanges, advancing information technology collaboration and strengthening people-to-people contacts.

Regarding the CASA-1000, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to positioning it as a pivotal project for regional integration.

Welcoming the holding of CASA-1000 Inter-Governmental Council in Dushanbe on May 15 2025, the prime minister assured the shared commitment to its early operationalization.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two leaders, acknowledging the untapped potential in bilateral trade, underscored the importance of actively pursuing new avenues of cooperation in line with the decisions taken during the 7th Session of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad in December 2024.

They also agreed to effectively leverage the existing institutional frameworks including twelve Joint Working Groups (JWGs), to further enhance collaboration between the two countries, especially in oil & gas and energy sectors.

They took good note of growing bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security and reiterated their resolve to further boost the same in order to overcome the common security challenges faced by the two countries.

They emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, combating cross-border organized crime and human and drug trafficking.

The leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and global geopolitical developments. They emphasized the importance of working together to promote peace, stability, and economic development in the region.

On peaceful resolution of Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute, the prime minister felicitated the Tajik president on this milestone and his prudence and wisdom in resolving the issue through peaceful means.

The prime minister hoped that this historical development would usher in a new era of cooperation and progress in the region.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on cooperation at the multilateral fora, including at the UN, OIC, SCO and ECO and reaffirmed their resolve to continue collaboration on global and regional issues of common interest.

The prime minister, reaffirming Pakistan’s historical and cordial ties with Tajikistan, underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to ongoing structured and multifaceted engagement with Tajikistan, for mutual gains.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening connectivity linkages with the Central Asian region.

He highlighted the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a linchpin of Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

The prime minister also briefed the president on the latest situation in the South Asian region.

He underscored that “our region could afford India’s irresponsible and unlawful actions since 7 May 2025, which amounted to acts of war and violation the UN Charter and international law.”

The prime minister urged the international community to hold India accountable, reiterating that Pakistan desires peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full resolve if challenged.

He also underscored that the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, remains fundamental to securing lasting peace in the region.

In response, President Emomali said that as a staunch friend of Pakistan, he too was very worried at the events of early May, adding that he would always promote peace and stability in the region.

He added that he was deeply impressed by the prime minister’s remarkable leadership that was critical to the restoration of peace and security in the region.

President Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan’s desire for further intensifying bilateral cooperation in all fields, terming Pakistan as a trusted partner.

Noting regular high-level exchanges, he underlined the importance of closer collaboration in the areas of science and technology, agriculture, industry, hydropower generation, and tourism.

The prime minister appreciated Tajikistan’s leadership role in water diplomacy and congratulated the president of Tajikistan for successful organization of international events including the ICGP in Dushanbe.

The prime minister extended a cordial invitation to President Rahmon for an official visit to Islamabad to continue strategic dialogue and deepen the multifaceted partnership.

President Rahmon also hosted a special reception in honour of the prime minister and his delegation comprising Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and senior officials.

Web Desk