- The first MoU establishes a partnership between KP and Khatlon of Tajikistan.
- Minister Leghari for the creation of a committee on transit trade.
- Hopes for early completion of the CASA-1000 energy project.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors as the two countries signed two historic memoranda of understanding (MoU) and protocols on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tajikistan in July this year, and several memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries. The Prime Minister had expressed the desire to connect Pakistan and Tajikistan via rail and road networks and become part of the trade corridor between China, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the two countries signed two more MoUs and protocols at the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission held today in Islamabad, organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Energy Awais Leghari and Tajik Minister of Energy and Water Resources Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.
The first MoU forges a historic partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Khatlon province of Tajikistan, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.
The second MoU seals an exciting collaboration between the football federations of Pakistan and Tajikistan, poised to elevate the sporting landscape of both countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Leghari highlighted the long-standing historic, close and cordial relations between the two countries, noting that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Tajikistan in 1991, and emphasized their common religious, historical and cultural ties.
Leghari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture, education and industry, where both countries have advantages meaningful comparisons.
He stressed the importance of developing an “action plan” to boost trade, remove barriers and establish a joint coordination committee on transit trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
Furthermore, he highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central and West Asia, providing ideal opportunities for Tajik investments, as well as facilitating trade corridors under the regional economic cooperation program in Central Asia (CAREC).
Leghari also expressed hope for an early completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which would significantly benefit both countries.
Recognizing the importance of people-to-people ties, he called for strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges and invited Tajik citizens to explore the natural diversity of Pakistan’s beauty. He expressed confidence that the Commission’s discussions would result in concrete recommendations to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Jum’a Daler Shofaqir recognized the strong historical ties between the two nations, based on shared values, cultural heritage and vision common regional prosperity.
Minister Shofaqir appreciated and recognized the significant progress made since then in bilateral relations. He highlighted the immense potential for collaboration and mutual benefits between the two countries, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, agriculture, education and industry.
He reiterated Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic ties with Pakistan, looking forward to working closely with his Pakistani counterparts to achieve common goals and aspirations.