Karachi, July 3, 2024 – In a significant move to boost regional trade and connectivity, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to Tajikistan to utilize Karachi Port for transit trade.
The offer was made during a bilateral meeting with Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The meeting marked an important step in the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon. During the discussions, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steadily expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing fraternal ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Tajik Prime Minister on the successful organization of the 3rd High-Level Water Conference and commended Tajikistan’s leadership in water diplomacy. Highlighting the significance of the recently signed Strategic Partnership Agreement, he described it as a historic moment in bilateral relations and expressed optimism that it would open up new avenues for mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
The Pakistani Prime Minister emphasized the importance of enhanced engagement with Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, as part of Pakistan’s “Vision Central Asia” policy. He stressed that improving regional connectivity through the construction of rail tracks and roads between Pakistan and Tajikistan would be crucial for sustainable long-term socio-economic development in the region.
To further strengthen regional ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz proposed hosting a regional connectivity summit in Pakistan. This summit would aim to create trade corridors for Central Asian countries and promote regional trade. The idea underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering economic integration and cooperation within the South Asian and Central Asian regions.
The commencement of international flights between Pakistan and Tajikistan was also discussed, with Prime Minister Shehbaz welcoming the development. He emphasized the need to increase the number of flights to facilitate easier travel and stronger connections between the two countries. He noted the shared religious and cultural values between the Tajik and Pakistani people and called for the expansion of social relations.
In addition to trade and connectivity, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated the importance of enhanced cooperation in culture, education, sports, and people-to-people contacts. He highlighted the potential for collaborative initiatives that could bring the two nations closer together, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.
The discussions between the two leaders underscored the commitment to a collaborative future. Both Prime Ministers expressed their resolve to work together to achieve common goals and enhance the prosperity of their respective nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tajikistan and his proposals for increased cooperation and connectivity mark a significant step forward in Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic outreach to Central Asia. By offering the use of Karachi Port for transit trade and advocating for greater regional integration, Pakistan aims to play a pivotal role in promoting stability, economic growth, and development in the region.
As the two countries continue to build on their strong bilateral ties, the initiatives discussed during this visit are expected to bring tangible benefits, not only to Pakistan and Tajikistan but also to the broader Central Asian region.
