Tajikistan and Pakistan have agreed to fast track finalization of various bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in order to further institutionalize cooperation in diverse fields.
Co-chaired by Tajik First Deputy Foreign Minister Khusrav Noziri and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, the fifth round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held yesterday through video conferencing.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan in the fields of politics, economics, security, defense, education and culture.
They reportedly also exchanged views on mutual cooperation at the multilateral fora, including at the UN, OIC, SCO and ECO, as well as well regional security, counter-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the two countries, the parties reaffirmed their resolve to continue collaboration on global and regional issues being of mutual interest, the Tajik MFA information department said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that recognizing the significance of Tajikistan as a gateway to Central Asia, Pakistani Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of mutual cooperation over the past three decades. He emphasized the importance of augmenting multi-dimensional bilateral cooperation within the framework of a strategic partnership for mutual peace, progress and prosperity.
Expressing deep concern on the rising challenge of COVID-19 amid third wave, Mr. Sohail Mahmood stressed international cooperation and solidarity to effectively combat challenges posed by the pandemic and to adopt joint measures.
He reportedly underscored the importance of holding regular political dialogue as well as high-level and parliamentary interactions to deepen mutual cooperation and ensure regular follow-up. Both sides agreed to fast track finalization of various bilateral agreements and MoUs in order to further institutionalize cooperation in diverse fields.
The Foreign Secretary emphasized the need to increase volume of bilateral trade and investments through trade diversification, increasing business-to-business contacts, resuming air links, and enhancing cooperation in the energy sector.
It was agreed to hold the next meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Inter-Governmental Commission and Joint Working Group on Education & Science and Technology at an early date.
The Foreign Secretary reportedly highlighted government’s socio-economic agenda and shift in focus from geo-politics to geo-economics. He said that the Pakistani Government aimed at leveraging Pakistan’s immense potential of regional connectivity through development of CPEC and providing shortest possible route from Central Asia to Arabian Sea through Pakistani seaports of Gwadar, Bin Qasim and Karachi.
While exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Secretary underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for the progress and prosperity of the region and expressed support for a negotiated, political solution through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. In this context, he highlighted Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process.
Tajikistan and Pakistan are celebrating the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
