Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Thursday. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed the progress of bilateral relations in various fields.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the historic Strategic Partnership Agreement and taking bilateral relations to new heights.
The leaders conducted a detailed review of cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, energy, defense, and politics. They also agreed to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in investment, education, cultural exchanges, and information technology.
Highlighting regional energy connectivity, the two sides agreed to make CASA-1000 a flagship project for the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the upcoming CASA-1000 Council meeting in Dushanbe on May 15 and assured Pakistan's full support for the early implementation of the project.
The two countries also agreed to implement the decisions made during the 7th session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. As part of this commitment, 12 joint working groups will be established in various sectors to enhance practical cooperation -- particularly in the oil and gas industries.
President Emomali Rahmon praised Pakistan's continued support for Tajikistan’s global initiatives, particularly those related to water and climate change. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a regular dialogue to boost bilateral ties across all domains.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing climate-related challenges in the region.
Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, the prime minister was warmly received by Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. Tajikistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharifzada Farrukh Hamdin was also present to welcome the Pakistani delegation.
Accompanying the PM are Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, where both sides will discuss enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including trade, energy, connectivity, and regional security. The Pakistani premier will also extend gratitude to President Rahmon for his support during past Pakistan-India tensions.
Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to participate in an international conference on glacier protection, being hosted in Dushanbe. He will share Pakistan’s perspective on the devastating impact of climate change, particularly in the Himalayan and Karakoram regions, and call for stronger global cooperation to protect vulnerable glacial ecosystems.
Speaking earlier during a media interaction at Lachin Airport while departing from Azerbaijan, the PM underscored the significance of May 28, calling it a “historic day” for both Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
“For Pakistan, May 28, 1998, marks the day we became a nuclear power. For Azerbaijan, it is the anniversary of their independence,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Azerbaijan in various sectors under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
"Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has made great progress," he stressed.
The PM emphasized that both countries are determined to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly trade and investment, and explore new avenues to strengthen strategic relations.
