Pak-Tajik accord to diversify cooperation
08 March, 2011
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to diversify their cooperation in different fields, including efforts to stamp out terrorism. “Pakistan is also interested in enhancing cooperation to overcome terrorism and drug trafficking in the region with the cooperation of Tajikistan,” said President Asif Ali Zardari at a joint press conference with his Tajik counterpart, President Emomali Rahmon, following their one-on-one and delegation level talks here on Monday. The Tajik president said that his country is interested in having intensified cooperation with Pakistan in trade, economy, security, science and technology. Prior to the joint press conference, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. The Tajikistan president conferred his country’s civil award ‘Ismoili Somoni’ on President Asif Ali Zardari. President Emomali Rehman stressed the need to expedite work on the ongoing development projects between the two countries and to give boost to the bilateral trade. He said his country was interested in utilising Karachi and Gwadar Ports to enhance its exports. President Emomali Rehman said his country was interested to see better Pakistan-India relations and urged both the countries to resolve their issues through dialogue to bring peace and stability in the region. President Asif Ali Zardari said both countries enjoy centuries old bonds and the Pakistani people have great respect for their Tajik brethren. He said Pakistan wants to further deepen its relations with Tajikistan. President Zardari offered Pakistani ports for exports of Tajik goods and to expand trade activities in the region. In reply to a question, President Zardari said Pakistan is interested in enhancing rail, road and air links with Tajikistan besides using the Wakhan Corridor to enhance regional connectivity. “Pakistan is also interested in Tajik expertise in hydel-power generation to produce cheap electricity and overcome power crisis,” he added. The Tajik President said his country wants to build 1,000 MW hydel-power project to supply electricity to Pakistan and Afghanistan. He hoped that all the procedures in this regard would be completed by next month. Later, addressing the banquet held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday night in honour of President Emomali Rahmon, President Zardari has said that Pakistan was ready to offer all assistance to Tajikistan to provide easy access to the ports in Pakistan, especially the Gwadar Port. End.
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