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Islamabad, March 15, 2016 (PPI-OT): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan and Tajikistan have entered a new era of unparalleled cooperation. Referring to the robust historical relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan, he highlighted that Pakistan attaches paramount importance to its cultural and economic ties with Republic of Tajikistan. He was speaking to Tajikistan Parliamentary delegation led by his counterpart Mr. Shukurjon Zuhurov who called on him at Parliament House, Islamabad on Tuesday.
The Speaker outlined that Pakistan-Tajikistan relations derive its strength from geopolitical realities, economic interests and cultural affinities. He remarked that cooperation between the two friendly countries is highly imperative for tackling regional security and economic challenges. Appreciating the ‘Open-door Policy’ adopted by Republic of Tajikistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that prospects of trade cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan have grown manifolds.
He added that ‘The Joint Economic Commission’ between both the countries has laid grounds for new epoch of advancement in the field of commercial, economic, science and technical cooperation. The Speaker outlined that Tajikistan’s energy potential may greatly assist in restraining Pakistan’s power shortages and reciprocally Pakistani sea ports as well as expertise in agriculture sector, food processing and textiles will potentially benefit Tajikistan.
Ayaz Sadiq added that Pakistan-Tajikistan cooperation with other regional countries is central to international endeavours for a peaceful Afghanistan. Referring to the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (PATTTTA), the Speaker remarked that this initiative will open new doors of cooperation between the three countries. The Speaker added that Pakistan is committed to deepen cooperation with Tajikistan on various bilateral and multilateral forums including Economic Cooperation Organization and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Speaker underlined the need for facilitating Central Asia and South Asia (CASA) electricity transmission projects. He further emphasized that Parliamentary diplomacy between Tajikistan and Pakistan should be given a new fillip through regular exchanges of delegations and diversification of bilateral relations. The Speaker also informed the dignitary regarding Pakistan’s commitment towards attaining sustainable goals with establishment of a dedicated secretariat in Parliament House for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Solar power project initiative that enabled Pakistan’s Parliament as first in the world to go green.
Mr Shukurjon Zuhurov congratulated the Speaker for enabling Pakistan’s Parliament as first in the world to go green. He added that Tajikistan is determined to foster robust ties with Pakistan through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Endorsing Ayaz Sadiq’s emphasis on bilateral cooperation for tackling regional challenges, Zuhurov remarked that both the countries have great responsibility in addressing regional challenges. He also reiterated his commitment for expansion and diversification of trade and economic relations.
Mr. Zuhurov remarked that Tajikistan aspires to foster stronger inter-Parliamentary cooperation with Pakistan. He stressed on the need for facilitating people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges as part of Pakistan-Tajikistan friendship initiatives. Later on Mr. Zuhurov visited the Green Parliament Solar Power Project and signed the visitor’s book along with his comments.
For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre,
National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Islamabad – Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk