PM Shehbaz reiterates Pakistan’s resolve for timely completion of the important ‘CASA-1000’ power transmission project

SAMARKAND, Sep 15 (SABAH): Prime Minister Main Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of SCO Heads of Council meeting in Samarkand on Thursday.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks covering all aspects of the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation including regional and international issues.

President Rahmon extended profound sympathies and condolences over the loss of human lives and devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan and assured of Tajikistan’s full support in the efforts for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif thanked Tajikistan for its support to the flood affectees in Pakistan and shared details of the devastation caused by the massive floods, induced by climate change.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the growing political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He underscored the need for a strategic partnership aimed at boosting security, mutual trust, countering the current global threats and challenges, enhancing regional stability, and expanding political, trade and economic cooperation.

Both leaders accorded particular focus on further strengthening of reliable and constructive high-level contacts, inter-parliamentary ties, defence and security relations between the two countries.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of regular meetings of bilateral institutional mechanisms and establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation in the implementation of energy projects. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve for timely completion of the important “CASA-1000” power transmission project.

The Prime Minister emphasized expansion of cooperation in the field of road transportation and underscored importance of connectivity. He underlined Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate provision of access to Gwadar and Karachi to Tajikistan.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to work together to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sharif invited President Rahmon to visit Pakistan. President Rahmon also extended invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Tajikistan.