Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on Thursday reviewed bilateral cooperation in political, trade, economy, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity.
During the meeting, they agreed to pursue new avenues for cooperation focused on investment opportunities, educational linkages, cultural exchanges, information technology collaboration, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Upon arrival at Qasr-e-Millat, the President welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Tajikistan to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation from May 29 to 31.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials. Upon arrival in Dushanbe, the Prime Minister was received by Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda.
The leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. They recalled the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement during the Prime Minister’s visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which laid a foundation for strengthening relations and advancing shared interests.
Both leaders reaffirmed the fraternal ties between the countries and expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation, resolving to elevate strategic cooperation for mutual benefit.
On CASA-1000, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to positioning it as a pivotal project for regional integration. The Prime Minister welcomed the CASA-1000 Inter-Governmental Council meeting held in Dushanbe on May 15 and assured a shared commitment to its early operationalization.
Regarding economic cooperation, the leaders acknowledged untapped potential in bilateral trade and emphasized pursuing new avenues in line with decisions from the seventh session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation held in Islamabad in December 2024. They agreed to leverage existing institutional frameworks, including twelve Joint Working Groups, to enhance collaboration, especially in oil and gas and energy sectors.
The leaders noted growing cooperation in defence and security and reiterated their resolve to boost efforts to overcome common security challenges. They emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, combating cross-border organized crime, and human and drug trafficking.
The leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global geopolitical developments, emphasizing the importance of working together to promote peace, stability, and economic development. On the peaceful resolution of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute, the Prime Minister congratulated the President and appreciated the resolution through peaceful means, expressing hope that it would lead to new regional cooperation.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with cooperation at multilateral forums including the United Nations, OIC, SCO, and ECO, reaffirming their resolve to continue collaboration on global and regional issues of common interest.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s historical and cordial ties with Tajikistan and highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement for mutual gains. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening connectivity with Central Asia and cited the China Pakistan Economic Corridor as key to this effort.
The Prime Minister briefed the President on the situation in South Asia, condemning India’s actions since May 7 as violations of international law and the UN Charter. He urged the international community to hold India accountable, reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace while affirming its readiness to defend sovereignty.
He also stressed that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute per UN Security Council resolutions is fundamental for lasting regional peace.
President Rahmon expressed concern over recent events in South Asia and emphasized his commitment to peace and stability in the region. He praised the Prime Minister’s leadership as critical to restoring peace and security.
President Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan’s desire to intensify bilateral cooperation in all fields, calling Pakistan a trusted partner. He highlighted the importance of closer collaboration in science and technology, agriculture, industry, hydropower generation, and tourism.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Tajikistan’s role in water diplomacy and congratulated the President on organizing the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe. He extended a cordial invitation to President Rahmon for an official visit to Islamabad to continue strategic dialogue and deepen partnership.
President Rahmon hosted a reception in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
