DUSHANBE(Tajikistan): With a focus on regional connectivity, trade and energy, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed on Wednesday to explore new avenues of cooperation by increasing collaboration in economy, defence and security, agriculture and education.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in the Tajik capital on a two-day official visit, with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed the joint declaration aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries and in the region at large.

The two leaders witnessed signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade cooperation between Commerce Minister Ghulam Dastgir Khan and Tajik Minister of Economy Naimat Ullah Hikmatullah Zada.

Another MoU on cooperation between the University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, and the Agriculture University, Dushanbe, was signed by the latter`s rector Naimat Ullah Faizullah and Adviser to the PM on Foreign Af f airs Sartaj Aziz.

The prime minister, in a press statement issued at the conclusion of his one-on-one and delegation-level talks with President Rahmon, said the two sides discussed the importance of road, rail and air connectivity which was vital for regional integration, promotion of bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

`We have therefore resolved to multiply our efforts to increase connectivity between our two countries,` he said.

Mr Sharif said his visit had provided an opportunity to translate the close political ties into strategic cooperation in different spheres, particularly economy, trade, investment, energy and defence.

He said the two sides also idendhed the need for increased cooperadon in agriculture, industry, education and culture.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far in the economic sphere, particularly with regard to the CASA-1000 project, and hoped it would soon move into construction phase.

As agreed in 2014, the PM said, the two countries needed to take measures to boost bilateral trade to $500 million over the next three years.

He said the joint working group on trade, investment and transport would be meeting later this month to explore untapped opportunities in the areas. He also announced opening of commercial section at Pakistan`s embassy in Dushanbe.

Prime Minister Sharif said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would provide new opportunities for enhanced connectivity and integration from Gwadar to Kashgar. It would also provide a road link with Tajikistan and other Central Asian states.

He said Tajikistan`s formal accession to the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement among China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan would facilitate regional integration and boost economic development.

President Rahmon, in his press statement, said continued dialogue would boost ties between the two countries and stressed the need for finalising an agreement on bilateral transit trade at the earliest.

During a meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and his Tajik counterpart Qohir Rasulzoda, they agreed on the need for exploring new avenues of cooperation in agriculture, education and culture sectors and improving trade ties.

Mr Sharif said both the sides were committed to further strengthening their relationship in diverse spheres to build into a multidimensional partnership.

PM Sharif also visited the Dusti (Friendship) Square and laid a wreath at the monument to the founder of Tajikistan. The square houses the monument to Ismoil Somoni, who was the Emir of the Samanid dynasty and the founder of Tajikistan.-APP