President Zardari Highlights Strategic, Cultural, and Economic Ties with Tajikistan
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday described Tajikistan as a bridge to the heart of Central Asia, while calling Pakistan its gateway to international waters, underlining the potential of both countries to play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The remarks were made during a call-on by Tajikistan’s Defence Minister, Colonel General Sabirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidency’s official release stated.
President Zardari welcomed the delegation and emphasized that Pakistan highly values its multi-faceted relationship with Tajikistan, rooted in shared history, culture, and linguistic affinity. He recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Tajikistan in 1992. The president stressed the importance of further enhancing political, cultural, and people-to-people contacts between the two states.
Highlighting the significant potential for bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the energy sector, President Zardari urged that these opportunities be fully explored. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the flagship CASA-1000 project.
The president also expressed satisfaction with the expanding defence cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan, demonstrated through frequent exchanges of visits by the leadership of both armed forces. He noted that the successful organisation of the Dosti-II exercise stands as a testament to the historic defence ties between the two brotherly nations.
Tajik Defence Minister Sabirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim conveyed his country’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.
The delegation also included Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sharifzoda Yusuf Tohir, Colonel Rasulzoda Karim Abdurasul, Major General Hakimzoda Zarif Yunusi, and Major General Amonullozoda Aminjon Amonullo. On the Pakistani side, Senator Sherry Rehman and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla attended the meeting.
