During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Tajikistan in early July 2024, a series of memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed, marking a significant step forward in relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
These agreements cover various fields such as aviation, diplomacy, education, sports, social relations, industrial cooperation, and tourism, demonstrating a wide range of mutual cooperation.
One of the key agreements signed during this visit was the visa exemption for passports of Pakistan and Tajikistan, reports Eurasasia Today.
Furthermore, the visit showcased the coordination of actions between both countries on a number of international issues, emphasizing a commitment to deeper and more strategic partnership.
The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, followed by a joint press conference, highlighted the aspiration to expand cooperation in various sectors.
The visa-free regime is expected to facilitate movement and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries. This initiative is likely to promote tourism, cultural exchanges, business, and closer ties.
An agreement on strategic partnership was also signed, aimed at transforming foreign relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan into a long-term strategic partnership.
This agreement is intended to create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation and deepen strategic ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe.
In the long term, this is likely to result in sustainable joint projects and investments, contributing to the economic growth of both countries.
During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the potential for increasing investments in various sectors. He noted that the current trade volume between Pakistan and Tajikistan inadequately reflects the close relations between the two countries.
He proposed setting annual targets for increasing trade volumes and expressed readiness to work with President Rahmon on expanding cooperation in agriculture, industry, investments, and trade.
Such an active approach to increasing trade volumes could lead to more significant economic benefits for both countries, spurring the growth of business enterprises and joint economic projects.
In his speech, Emomali Rahmon supported Prime Minister Sharif's remarks, proposing measures to expand trade and investments and increase the use of Pakistani ports in the near future.
He also agreed with the proposal to create a joint ministerial commission to facilitate these initiatives. This commission is likely to serve as a platform for discussing and resolving any bilateral issues, ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the agreements reached.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 12, 2024