Nawaz Sharif embarks on two-day visit of Tajikistan

Islamabad [Pakistan], July 5 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday left on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. A high-level delegation, comprising Pakistan's Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir, will accompany Prime Minister Sharif on his visit. "The visit to Tajikistan is reflective of the Prime Minister's vision to strengthen Pakistan's relations with neighbouring and regional countries and further increasing regional connectivity," said an official release. The leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, including trade and investment, energy cooperation and regional connectivity will be the key focus of their talks. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with particular attention to Pakistan's policy of a peaceful neighbourhood. According to an official release, a Joint Declaration entitled "Road towards strategic partnership for regional solidarity" will be signed during the visit. A meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) will coincide with the visit of Prime Minister Sharif. The JBC will consider steps to enhance bilateral trade and commercial ties. Tajikistan is also hosting a Quadrilateral Summit of CASA-1000 member states, namely, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. This project aims developing energy corridor and land connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will also provide electricity produced in Tajikistan and Kyrgyztan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. A Trilateral Summit between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the visit to hold discussions on regional topics of mutual interest. (ANI)