Pakistan, Tajikistan sign landmark MoUs to strengthen bilateral cooperation

• The first Memorandum of Cooperation between KP, Khatlon, Tajikistan.
• Minister Leghari to set up transit trade committee.
• Hopes for speedy completion of CASA-1000 energy project.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation in many fields as both countries on Wednesday signed two landmark memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and protocols.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tajikistan in July this year, with several MoUs signed between the two countries. The prime minister had expressed his desire to connect Pakistan with Tajikistan through rail and road networks and to be part of the China-Tajikistan-Afghanistan trade corridor.

Meanwhile, both countries signed two more MoUs and protocols at today’s seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Committee in Islamabad hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Minister of Energy Awais Leghari and Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.

The first MoU forges a historic partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.

The second MoU seals an exciting partnership between the Football Federations of Pakistan and Tajikistan, poised to upgrade the sporting landscape in both nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Leghari highlighted the historic, long-standing, close and cordial relations between the two countries, noting that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence in 1991 and highlighted the shared religious, historical and cultural ties. their.

Leghari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture, education and industry, where both countries have significant comparative advantages.

He stressed the importance of developing an “action plan” to boost trade, remove barriers and establish a joint transit trade coordination committee under the Tajikistan-Pakistan transit trade agreement.

He further highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central and West Asia, offering ideal opportunities for investment in Tajikistan, as well as facilitating trade corridors under the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme.

Leghari also expressed hope for the speedy completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which will greatly benefit both countries.

Recognizing the importance of people-to-people ties, he called for enhanced tourism and cultural exchanges and invited Tajik citizens to explore Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty. He expressed confidence that the Commission’s discussions will provide concrete recommendations for strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Jum’a Daler Shofaqir acknowledged the strong historical ties between the two nations, based on shared values, cultural heritage and a common vision for regional prosperity.

Minister Shofaqir appreciated and acknowledged the significant progress made in bilateral relations since then. He highlighted the huge potential for cooperation and mutual benefit between the two nations, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, agriculture, education and industry.

He reiterated Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties with Pakistan, looking forward to working closely with Pakistani counterparts to achieve common goals and aspirations.