MoUs, protocols signed at Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission

ISLAMABAD: The seventh Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission meeting, held on Wednesday, culminated in a major breakthrough, with the signing of two landmark memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and protocols.

The commission meeting, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari and Tajik Minister for Energy and Water Resources Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, was hosted by Ministry of Economic Affairs.

According to details, the first MoU forges a historic partnership between the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.

The second MoU seals a thrilling collaboration between the Pakistan and Tajikistan Football Federations, poised to elevate the sports landscape in both nations. On December 13, a business-to-business (B2B) forum has been arranged for the businesspeople from both countries in order to strengthen the B2B ties.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Sardar Awais Leghari pointed to the historical, longstanding, close and cordial relations between the two countries, noting that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Tajikistan’s independence in 1991, and emphasised their shared religious, historical and cultural bonds.

Leghari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture, education and industry, where both countries have significant comparative advantages.

He stressed the importance of developing a plan of action to boost trade, remove barriers and establish a Joint Coordination Committee on Transit Trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.

He stressed the strategic importance of Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central and West Asia, offering ideal opportunities for Tajik investments, as well as facilitating trade corridors under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme.

Leghari also expressed hope for the swift completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which would significantly benefit both countries. Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, he called for enhanced tourism and cultural exchanges and invited Tajik citizens to explore Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty. He expressed confidence that the Commission’s discussions would yield concrete recommendations to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Shofaqir acknowledged the strong historical ties between the two nations, founded on shared values, cultural heritage and a common vision for regional prosperity.

Shofaqir appreciated and acknowledged the significant progress made in bilateral relations since then. He said the immense potential for collaboration and mutual benefit between the two nations, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, agriculture, education and industry.

He hoped for the swift completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which would significantly benefit both countries. He reiterated Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic ties with Pakistan, looking forward to working closely with Pakistani counterparts to achieve shared goals and aspirations.

In his remarks on the occasion, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs Dr Kazim Niaz highlighted the significant potential for collaboration in areas like trade, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

Dr Niaz pointed out the modest bilateral trade volume of $23.46 million in 2022-2023 and stressed the need to explore more trade opportunities, noting the upcoming Pak-Tajik Business-to-Business forum.

He also underscored the progress made through the Joint Working Groups, particularly in trade, transport and energy cooperation, and expressed optimism for continued fruitful discussions to further strengthening bilateral relations.