DOSHANBE: Pakistan wants to maintain good relations with all its neighbours, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated in a one-on-one meeting with Tajik President Emamali Rehmon in Doshanbe on Wednesday.
The premier added that the CASA-1000 [electricity transmission] project is a milestone in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan, saying he hopes to enhance relations with the Central Asian state in a number of other fields.
Sharif said India has escalated tension at the Line of Control with Indian forces repeatedly violating the ceasefireagreement.
“Pakistan desires peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with India,” he insisted.
The prime mister was accorded a guard of honour at a formal welcome ceremony at the palace of President Rehmon following his arrival at the airport, where he was received by Tajikistan Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda.
The prime minister is on an official two-day visit to Dushanbe at the invitation of the Tajik president.
The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, includingWater and Power Minister Khawaja Asif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir and chairman of the National Highway Authority, among other officials.
A press release issued by the premier's media wing earlier said that the visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the premier's vision to strengthen Pakistan's relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increase regional connectivity.
At Dushanbe, the leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, including trade and investment, energy cooperation and regional connectivity.
They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with particular attention to Pakistan's policy of a peaceful neighbourhood.
A joint declaration entitled "Road towards strategic partnership for regional solidarity" will be signed during the visit.
A meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) will also coincide with the visit of the Prime Minister. The JBC will consider steps 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 will also provide electricity produced in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close and cooperative relations, which are underpinned by commonalities of history, culture and faith. These ties are characterised by mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region.
The two countries also share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely in the regional and multilateral forums.
Pakistan was among the first few countries that recognised the independence of Tajikistan, established diplomatic relations and opened a resident mission in Dushanbe.
A Trilateral Summit between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the visit for discussions on regional topics of mutual interest.