ISLAMABAD, March 7: Offering Tajikistan easy access to Pakistan’s ports, especially the Gwadar Port, President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday called for a trilateral transit trade agreement among Pakistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. “We are ready to discuss the conclusion of the trade agreement among the three countries,” the president said while addressing a banquet held at the presidency in the honour of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar quoted Mr Zardari as having said: “Pakistan is ready to discuss frameworks that would facilitate trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan. We are keen to create an interface between the private sectors of the two countries.”

Highlighting the shared objectives and aspirations of the two countries, the president said the two countries were determined to work closely to strengthen ties.

Appreciating partnership between the two countries within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Economic Cooperation Organisation, Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations, Mr Zardari Pakistan was interested in enhancing air and road links to Tajikistan and it looked forward to developing rail link in future.