President underlines significance of strong Pak-Tajikistan relationship

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - President Asif Ali Zardari, Tuesday, reaffirmed the strong and wide-ranging relationship between Pakistan and Tajikistan during meeting with Tajik Ambassador to Pakistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Tohir who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

He noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Tajikistan in 1992 and said that bilateral cooperation had steadily expanded in trade, economic engagement, defence and security.

President Zardari said that regular high-level exchanges reflected the close and brotherly ties between the two countries, adding the Strategic Partnership Agreement provided a solid framework for deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Describing Tajikistan as a bridge to Central Asia, the president underscored the importance of improving regional connectivity and encouraged efforts towards the revival of direct flights, as well as enhanced road and rail links.

The president highlighted the potential for increased bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the energy sector.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 project. He also stressed the importance of expanding cultural cooperation to strengthen people-to-people contacts.