ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for further strengthening bilateral relations with Tajikistan specially trade and investment.

The prime minister exp­ressed these views as Am­­bassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Sharifzoda Yus­uf Toir paid a courtesy call on the PM at the PM House.

The prime minister welcomed the ambassador and wished him a successful tenure in the country.

Recalling his recent visit to Dushanbe earlier this month, the prime minister said he was touched by the warm welcome extended to him and hailed friendly and productive discussions with President Emomali Rahmon during the visit.

Expressing satisfaction at the MoUs/agreements signed between the two sides during his visit, PM Sharif urged that timely implementation and the follow-up would help streng­then bilateral ties even further.

He renewed his invitation to President Rahmon to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, while adding that Pakistan was looking forward to Tajikistan’s participation in the SCO Council of heads of government meeting in Islamabad in October this year.

The Tajikistan ambassador briefed the prime minister on a number of proposals aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields including education, agriculture and defence as well as connectivity through land and air routes.

While noting the proposals, the prime minister tasked relevant ministries with getting in touch with the Tajik ambassador for further discussions. Regional connectivity projects including CASA-1000, also came under discussion during the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024