Tajikistan rolls out red carpet for PM Nawaz Sharif

Dushanbe : Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz  Sharif arrived here Wednesday on a two-day visit to discuss with the Tajik leaders trade and investment, defence and energy cooperation and regional connectivity.

The Prime Minister was warmly received at the Dushanbe International by his Tajik counterpart Qohir Rasulzoda and senior officials. A red carpet was rolled out and young Tajik girls presented him bouquet.

Flags of the two countries adorned the airport building. A contingent of the Tajik Armed Forces presented him a salute as he alighted from his special aircraft. A formal welcome ceremony will be held at the Presidential Palace.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir and Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.His engagements include inking of a Joint Declaration with Tajikistan, participation in quadrilateral summit of CASA 1000 countries and a trilateral summit with Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

“The visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increasing regional connectivity,” a statement from the Foreign Office said.

During the talks the leaders would discuss bilateral ties,besides exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, Pakistan would portray its vision of a peaceful neighbourhood.

Prime Minister Sharif would also sign a Joint Declaration towards strategic partnership for regional solidarity, jointly with President Rahmon.

Pakistan has already entered a number of agreements with the landlocked country bordering Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

A meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) will coincide with the visit of the Prime Minister which would consider measures to enhance bilateral trade and commercial ties.

Tajikistan is also hosting a Quadrilateral Summit of CASA-1000 member states, namely; Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. The project aims at developing energy corridor and land connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It would provide electricity produced in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A Trilateral Summit between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the visit and would focus on regional topics of mutual interest.

The top leaders of the two countries have been meeting frequently, the last being held in March this year in Islamabad on the sidelines of the ECO Summit.

Pakistan was among the first few countries that recognized the independence of Tajikistan, established diplomatic relations and opened a resident mission in Dushanbe.

Meanwhile ; President Emomali Rahmon Wednesday hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and members of his entourage.

The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Tajikistan in a bid to bolster country’s trade, import energy to meet its growing needs and enhance regional connectivity.

Prime Minister is accompanied with his Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif and Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir.

The Tajik President hosted the dinner at Koh e Naovruz Hall, known for its intricate woodwork.

Prime Minister would be participating in the quadrilateral meeting of  CASA 1000 to be attended by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Pugus Varzob Valley.

He would also witness an exhibition of agricultural  products.

He would later participate in a trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, before heading back home.