DUSHANBE, September 2, 2011, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon met here yesterday evening with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari who arrived in Dushanbe to attend the third quadrilateral summit of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation.
According to the presidential press service, Rahmon and Karzai discussed issues related to expansion of economic cooperation between their countries and introduction of Tajikistan-Afghanistan power transmission line into operation. They also attended a ceremony of an official opening of a new building of the Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe.
Rahmon’s meeting with Zardari reportedly focused on establishment of joint industrial enterprises and cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors.
In the meantime, Associated Press Pakistan (Pakistan) reported on September 1 that Pakistan and Tajikistan have expressed their determination to enhance their friendship and partnership to the new heights through increased cooperation in diverse fields including trade and economy, infrastructure, communication, energy, agriculture, health, culture and sports. The resolve was expressed by President Asif Ali Zardari and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon during a meeting in Dushanbe on Thursday.
While sharing views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, they discussed the prospects of starting more projects in energy, banking, transportation and communication sectors.
President Zardari during the talks was assisted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain.
The talks focused on peace and stability in the region, strengthening economic cooperation, developing energy connectivity, eliminating the menace of terrorism and curbing drug trafficking.
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for early implementation of the Regional Electricity Transmission Line known as CASA-1000 under which Tajikistan would export 1000 megawatt of electricity to Pakistan.
The two leaders also discussed matters relating to the quadrilateral summit being held in Dushanbe on Friday.
Yesterday, Rahmon and Zardari also laid foundation stone of Pakistan embassy complex in Dushanbe. According to APP, the ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain, Chairman Board of Investment Salim H Mandviwala, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Mayor of Dushanbe, Pakistan Ambassador Amjad Sial, foreign diplomats and high officials.
In March this year President Emomali Rahmon during his official visit to Pakistan attended the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of Tajikistan’s embassy in Islamabad. Both the countries have provided free land in their respective capitals for the embassies.
