Pakistan, Tajikistan ink ‘landmark’ MoUs at joint commission meeting

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan on Wednesday signed two landmark memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and protocols at the seventh Joint Commission meeting, with both countries reiterating their resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tajikistan in July this year, with several MoUs were signed between the two countries. The premier had expressed desire to connect Pakistan and Tajikistan through rail and road networks and to be part of the trade corridor between China, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, both countries signed two more MoUs and protocols at today’s meeting hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The meeting was co-chaired by Power Minister Awais Leghari and Tajik Minister for Energy and Water Resources Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.

The first MoU forges a historic partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.

The second MoU seals a thrilling collaboration between the Pakistan and Tajikistan Football Federations, poised to elevate the sports landscape in both nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Leghari emphasised the historical, longstanding, close, and cordial relations between the two countries, noting that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Tajikistan’s independence in 1991, and emphasised their shared religious, historical, and cultural bonds.

Leghari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture, education, and industry, where both countries have significant comparative advantages.

He stressed the importance of developing a “plan of action” to boost trade, remove barriers, and establish a Joint Coordination Committee on Transit Trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.

Furthermore, he emphasised the strategic importance of Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central and West Asia, offering ideal opportunities for Tajik investments, as well as facilitating trade corridors under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme.

Leghari also expressed hope for the swift completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which would significantly benefit both countries.

Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, he called for enhanced tourism and cultural exchanges and invited Tajik citizens to explore Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty. He expressed confidence that the Commission’s discussions would yield concrete recommendations to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Tajikistan, Jum’a Daler Shofaqir acknowledged the strong historical ties between the two nations, founded on shared values, cultural heritage, and a common vision for regional prosperity.

Minister Shofaqir appreciated and acknowledged the significant progress made in bilateral relations since then. He emphasised the immense potential for collaboration and mutual benefit between the two nations, 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 Pakistani counterparts to achieve shared goals and aspirations.