Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed on Tuesday the importance of enhancing trade, investment, and connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

During a joint news conference with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, the premier highlighted various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, and trade, as potential areas for increased cooperation.

During the conference, numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, which Prime Minister Sharif stated would strengthen the bilateral relationship.

He highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership agreement, congratulating the Tajik side for its commitment to this agreement, which aims to foster brotherly relations and expand cooperation in the future.

Prime Minister Sharif also stressed the need for building rail connectivity from Tajikistan through Afghanistan to the port of Karachi. Regarding bilateral projects, he mentioned the CASA-1000 project, which is expected to be completed next year and bring prosperity to the region.

In a one-on-one meeting, President Rahmon discussed the China-Tajikistan and Afghanistan corridor with Prime Minister Sharif. Both leaders recognized the sacrifices their countries have made in fighting terrorism and expressed a resolve to continue collective efforts against this menace. Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan's readiness to cooperate in combating terrorism.

Addressing global challenges, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the ongoing oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Gaza. He asserted that peace in South Asia would remain elusive without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Prime Minister Sharif thanked President Rahmon and the people of Tajikistan for their warm welcome and extended an invitation to President Rahmon to visit Pakistan.

PM, President Emomali vow to strengthen ties

During his two-day official visit to Tajikistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Emomali Rahmon expressed satisfaction with the existing fraternal ties and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their relationship. The leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation, including trade, economy, investment, connectivity, culture, education, science and technology, defense, humanitarian assistance, parliamentary exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.

An official welcoming ceremony was held at Qasr e Millat, where President Rahmon received Prime Minister Sharif with a guard of honor. Following a tete-a-tete meeting, delegation-level talks ensued. The leaders signed the 'Strategic Partnership Agreement,' elevating bilateral relations to a long-term strategic partnership and opening new opportunities for multifaceted cooperation.

Prime Minister Sharif briefed President Rahmon on the deteriorating human rights situation in IIOJK and India's attempts to change its demographic structure. Both leaders expressed serious concern over the violence in Gaza and called for international efforts to bring peace to the region.