15 May 2004	Saturday	24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

LAHORE, May 14: Tajikistan President Emomali Sharipovich Rahmonov called on Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi here on Friday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest.

The chief minister also informed him about the steps taken by the Punjab government for socio-economic uplift of people of the province.

He said the visit of Mr Rahmonov and the opening of Tajikistan's embassy in Pakistan by the end of this year would further strengthen relations between the two countries and open new avenues of cooperation in the fields of culture and trade.

Mr Rahmonov appreciated the pace of development in the Punjab. He said trade relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan would be furthered in future, leaving a far-reaching impact on their economic development.

Earlier, the chief minister hosted a luncheon for the Tajik president and his entourage at his 90-Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam office in the afternoon. Members of the Punjab cabinet and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

According to the APP, Mr Rahmonov and members of his entourage also visited various historic places of Lahore on Friday, the second day of their two-day stay in the Punjab capital. The distinguished guests first visited the mausoleum of the philosopher-poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, where they were presented the guard of honour by a smart contingent of the Pakistan Rangers.

The visitors laid a floral wreath at the mazar and offeredfateha. They also visited the Badshahi Mosque, which was constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir in 1674, using a blend of white marble and red stone.

The Tajik president appreciated the unique architectural style of the Mughal era. He also visited the "Quran Gallery" established on the premises of the historic mosque. The guests were later shown around the Lahore Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1566, where the Mughal king held court for 14 years from 1544 to 1598.