Pakistan, Tajikistan ties to cement further as president rahmon arrives today

ISLAMABAD: Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon would arrive in the federal capital on a twoday visit on Wednesday. He is coming to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan and would be accompanied by a high-level delegation. Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close brotherly relations underpinned by commonalty of faith, shared history and cultural affinities. These ties are characterised by mutual respect, shared perceptions and a common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region. Tajikistan is important within the context of Pakistan’s vision for closer ties and enhanced cooperation with Central Asia. The vision emphasises forging deeper trade, investment, energy, security, and people-to-people links. During the visit, Prime Minister Imran and President Rahmon will lead their respective sides in the delegation-level talks. The two sides will exchange views on deepening bilateral cooperation in diverse areas – including political, economic, trade, investment, energy, security and defence, culture, education and regional connectivity. A number of agreements/mous are expected to be signed during the visit. The visiting dignitary will separately meet with President Dr Arif Alvi. The two countries share common views on major regional and international issues and cooperate closely at various multilateral fora. Tajikistan is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Dushanbe in March 2021 to attend the Ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-istanbul Process, followed by his bilateral visit to Tajikistan.