Pakistan and Tajikistan on Tuesday agreed to fast track finalization of various bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in order to further institutionalize cooperation in diverse fields.

This was agreed during the 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Tajikistan co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood with First Deputy Foreign Minister Khusrav Noziri in virtual mode.

The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations in political, security, economic and trade, science and technology, education, culture and connectivity as well as cooperation at international and regional fora, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said.

The Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of mutual cooperation over the past three decades

He stressed the importance of augmenting multi-dimensional bilateral cooperation within the framework of a strategic partnership for mutual peace, progress and prosperity.

Expressing deep concern on the rising challenge of COVID-19 amid third wave, the Foreign Secretary emphasised international cooperation and solidarity to effectively combat challenges posed by the pandemic and to adopt joint measures.

He underscored the importance of holding regular political dialogue as well as high-level and parliamentary interactions to deepen mutual cooperation and ensure regular follow-up.

It was agreed to hold the next meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Inter-Governmental Commission and Joint Working Group on Education & Science and Technology at an early date.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted government’s socio-economic agenda and shift in focus from geo-politics to geo-economics.

He said that the government aimed at leveraging Pakistan’s immense potential of regional connectivity through development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and providing shortest possible route from Central Asia to Arabian Sea through Pakistani seaports of Gwadar, Bin Qasim and Karachi.

In this context, he highlighted Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process.

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) marked by human rights violations and attempts to change demographic structure.

He stressed the need by India to create enabling environment and to peacefully resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

The two sides expressed satisfaction on mutual cooperation at the multilateral fora, including at the United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Economic Cooperation organization (ECO) and reaffirmed their resolve to continue collaboration on global and regional issues of common interest.

Pakistan and Tajikistan are celebrating the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, this year. Recently, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Dushanbe for a bilateral visit in March 2021.