Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Dushanbe on Monday for a two-day official visit to Tajikistan, where he was warmly welcomed at the airport by his Tajik counterpart Kokhir Rasulzoda, Tajik Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma, and Tajik deputy minister of foreign affairs.

As the prime minister reached the Qasr-e-Millat Palace, he was warmly received by President Rehmon. The national anthems of both the countries were played as the prime minister stood at the salute dias.

Later, a smartly turned out contingents of Tajik armed forces presented a guard of honour to the prime minister. Later, both Prime Minister Sharif and President Rahmon introduced their respective delegations to each other.

The prime minister’s delegation comprised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.

This meeting will be followed by a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering various fields of mutual interest.

Earlier, as the prime minister landed at Dushanbe airport, he was received by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Energy Minister Daler Juma, Deputy Foreign Minister Farrukh Sgarifzoda, Tajik Ambassador in Islamabad Yousuf Sharifzoda, Pakistan Ambassador in Dushanbe Saeed Sarwar and senior diplomatic officers.

Prime Minister Sharif's visit, which will extend to Astana until July 4, comes at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. During his stay, Prime Minister Sharif is set to engage in high-level meetings with Tajik leadership and witness the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, diplomatic, and social sectors.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف تاجکستان کے دو روزہ دورے پر اسلام آباد سے روانہ۔
وزیراعظم پاکستان اور تاجکستان کے مابین مختلف شعبوں میں باہمی اشتراک کے حوالے سے مفاہمتی یادداشتوں پر دستخط کی تقریب میں بھی شرکت کریں گے۔ pic.twitter.com/rjbx41Utqh
— PMLN (@pmln_org) July 2, 2024

PM Shehbaz on his mission to restore and improve relations with brother Islamic countries, is visiting Tajikistan on the special invitation of President Emomali Rahmon. pic.twitter.com/Y3JFLEKk5j
— PMLN Digital (@PMLNDigital) July 2, 2024

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Sharif laid a wreath at the monument of Tajikistan’s national hero Ismail Somoni. Ismail Somoni is regarded as the historic figure of Central Asia and a hero of Tajikistan, who ruled Tajikistan and Khorasan region and in 9th and 10th century and brought about immense development to the Tajik nation.

The official visit underscores the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan, with both nations seeking to bolster cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements signed during this visit are expected to facilitate deeper economic, social, and diplomatic relations.

The two leaders will also hold a joint press conference to elaborate on the outcomes of their discussions and the significance of the signed agreements. In the evening, President Rahmon will host a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Sharif and the Pakistani delegation at Qasr-e-Nowruz, marking the culmination of the day's events.