Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed to fast track finalization of various bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in order to further institutionalize cooperation in diverse fields.
This was agreed during the 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Tajikistan co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood with First Deputy Foreign Minister Khusrav Noziri in virtual mode.
The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations in political, security, economic and trade, science and technology, education, culture and connectivity as well as cooperation at international and regional fora, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said. Recognizing the significance of Tajikistan as a gateway to Central Asia, the 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, the Foreign Secretary stressed international cooperation and solidarity to effectively combat challenges posed by the pandemic and to adopt joint measures.
He 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. 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 highlighted government’s socio-economic agenda and shift in focus from geo-politics to geo-economics. He said that the government aimed at leveraging Pakistan’s immense potential of regional connectivity through development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and providing shortest possible route from Central Asia to Arabian Sea through Pakistani seaports of Gwadar, Bin Qasim and Karachi.
The two sides also discussed ways to develop greater collaboration among students, artists, academicians and leading Universities of the two countries to boost educational and cultural linkages by building on common heritage. 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.
