Ministry of Foreign Affairs

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN AND REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

His Excellency, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid an official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan from 28-30 July 2009 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan . President Asif Ali Zardari was accompanied by a high level delegation, which included Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Interior, Industry and Production and Media Advisor to the President.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was accorded a warm welcome in Dushanbe , reflecting the close and cordial relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan .

The Heads of State discussed matters related to the further development of the relations between the two brotherly countries as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and were characterized by common perceptions on important issues.

The President of Pakistan also received the Chairman of the Upper House (Majlisi Milli) of Parliament, H.E Mahmadsaid Ubayduloev and met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan , H.E Mr. Oqil Oqilov.

During the visit, a number of bilateral agreements were concluded to reinforce cooperation in diverse fields.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan :

• Expressing their mutual desire to further improve brotherly relations and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries,

• Affirming that strengthened Pak-Tajik bilateral relations will contribute to regional peace, security and development,

• Taking into consideration the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Joint Declaration of the Republic of Tajikistan and Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 13 th May 2004 as well as other bilateral documents.

Have agreed that:

• Shared cultural affinities and historic experiences, economic complementarities and geographic proximity have made Tajikistan and Pakistan virtually neighbors. Better relations were in the mutual interest of both countries and the region. To comprehensively upgrade cooperation in all spheres and fields, the two sides will enter into an enhanced partnership based of the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will institute a strategic dialogue on regional peace, security and development with a view to developing greater understanding on issues of common interest and mutual benefit.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will take joint measures to realize the full potential of bilateral trade and economic relations, and undertake mutually beneficial projects, subject to agreement, in the areas of infrastructure, communications, energy and industry.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will take appropriate measures to enhance bilateral trade including early implementation of the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA), to which both are parties.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will promote business linkages, and to this end facilitate interaction among their respective corporate sectors through exchange of business delegations and establishment of joint business forums.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan were satisfied at the outcome of the Third Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Economic Commission held in Islamabad on 20-21 July 2009. The two sides will vigorously pursue agreements and understandings reached at the Commission.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will work jointly to explore and establish transit transport corridors linking the two countries, and also take measures to revive direct air links.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan agreed on the need to expedite establishment of regional electricity networks. The two sides emphasized in particular, early implementation of the CASA-1000 project. To this end, both sides agreed to undertake further studies and measures needed for its implementation, and invited International Organizations and Finance Institutions to contribute funding to the project.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will take measures to promote cultural cooperation as well as people to people exchanges, in particular among students, intelligentsia, media personalities and parliamentarians. The two sides will facilitate grant of scholarships and admission of nationals of the other State in institutes of higher learning.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan will shortly conclude agreements in the fields of standardization, health, agriculture and sports, and examine the possibility of setting up joint industrial ventures.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan expressed their readiness for further positive cooperation within the framework of UN and its specialized departments, ECO, OIC, SCO and other international and regional organizations, the two sides will consult and coordinate positions on important issues of mutual concern at these forums.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan condemn terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations and express their readiness to cooperate closely, bilaterally and within regional frameworks in combating with these twin threats, through among other means, arresting flow of arms and ammunitions and eliminating sources of terror funding.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan are concerned on increase of illegal turnover of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors and the organized crime. In this regard, the two sides will strengthen bilateral cooperation including by promoting exchange of information among relevant authorities.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan will support the efforts of the Republic of Tajikistan in joining the World Trade Organization.

• The President of the Republic of Tajikistan expressed his satisfaction at the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for continuation of dialogue with India and for the endeavors to resolve the Kashmir issue by negotiations.

• The President of Tajikistan further appreciated Pakistan for its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and expressed full confidence in Pakistan 's ability to effectively deal with this menace.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan support the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in promoting peace, stability and socio-economic development in the region. Tajikistan will contribute to Pakistan 's participation in programmes and initiatives within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan extend their support to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to achieve peace and solid stability in the country, to improve economic and social conditions and to establish an independent and democratic society that embodies the interests of the people. They call upon the international community and international financial institutions to channel all assistance directly through the Government of Afghanistan, on projects identified by Afghan authorities.

• The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality invited the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to pay an official visit to Pakistan . The invitation was accepted with great pleasure. The date of visit will be coordinated through the diplomatic channel.