DUSHANBE — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon met to review and expand bilateral cooperation across political, economic, trade, energy, defense, and security sectors. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties for mutual benefits and advancing regional integration through projects like CASA-1000.
During their talks, the two emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to combat terrorism, cross-border crime, and human and drug trafficking, while promoting peace and stability in the region. Both leaders highlighted their countries’ shared history, culture, and geography as the foundation for growing partnership.
Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s desire for peace but firmly stated the country’s resolve to defend its sovereignty if challenged, referencing recent regional tensions and urging the international community to hold India accountable for actions seen as violations of international law.
President Rahmon expressed strong support for Pakistan and praised the Prime Minister’s leadership in maintaining regional security. He also highlighted the need to intensify collaboration in science, technology, agriculture, hydropower, and tourism.
The meeting coincided with the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation held in Dushanbe, which Pakistan’s Prime Minister attended at the invitation of Tajikistan’s government.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums like the UN, SCO, OIC, and ECO and pledged to continue working together to promote economic growth and regional peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz extended an official invitation to President Rahmon for a visit to Islamabad to further strengthen strategic dialogue and partnership.