DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Tajikistan`s President Emomali Rahmon on Thursday reviewed bilateral cooperation in different areas, including political, trade, economy, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity.

During the meeting, they agreed to pursue new avenues for cooperation with a focus on fostering investment opportunities, enhancing educational linkages, prompting cultural exchanges, advancing information technology collaboration and strengthening people-to-people contacts.

Earlier upon his arrival at the Palace of the Nation, the Tajik leader welcomed the premier and his delegation.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Dushanbe at the invitation of government of Tajikistan to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers Preservation (ICGP) being held on 29-31 May.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials.

Upon arrival at Dushanbe, the premier was received by his Tajik counterpart Qohir Rasulzoda.

PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Rahmon while holding in-depth and wideranging discussions recalled the signing of the historic Strategic Partnership Agreement during the prime minister`s visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which laid a strong foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared interests.

On CASA-1000, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to positioning it as a pivotal project for regional integration. Welcoming the holding of CASA1000 Inter-Governmental Council in Dushanbe on May 15, the PM spoke of the shared commitment to its early operationalisation.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two leaders, while acknowledging the untapped potential in bilateral trade, underscored the importance of actively pursuing new avenues of cooperation in line with the decisions taken during the 7th session of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad in December.

They agreed to effectively leverage the existing institutional frameworks including 12 Joint Working Groups (JWGs) to enhance collaboration, especially in oiland gas and energy sectors.

They took note of growing bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security and reit-erated their resolve to boost the same to overcome the common security challenges. They emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, combating cross-border organised crime and human and drug trafficking.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on cooperation at the multilateral fora, including at the UN, OIC, SCO and ECO.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan`s commitment to strengthening connectivity linkages with Central Asia and highlighted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a linchpin of Pakistan`s connectivity withthe region.

`Unlawful actions` He briefed President Rahmon on the latest situation in South Asia. He said the region could not afford India`s irresponsible and unlawful actions since May 7, which amounted to acts of war and violation of the UN Charter and international law.

He also underscored that the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the Security Council resolutions, remains fundamental to se curing lasting peace.

President Rahmon said that as a staunch friend of Pakistan, hetoo was very worried at the events of early May, adding that he would always promote peace and stability in the region. He added he was impressed by the prime minister`s remarkable leadership that was critical to the restoration of peace and security in the region.

President Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan`s desire for intensifying cooperation in all fields, terming Pakistan as a trusted partner. He underlined the importance of closer collaboration in the areas of science and technology, agriculture, industry, hydropower generation, and tourism.

The PM extended invitation to President Rahmon for an official visit to Islamabad. President Rahmon also hosted a special reception in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz.

Azeri investment Earlier, the PM said Pakistan was ready to receive $2 billion investment from Azerbaijan in multiple sectors.

The prime minister, while talking to Azerbaijan TV prior to his departure from Lachin to Dushanbe, said: `Yesterday, [Azerbaijan`s] President Ilham Aliyev again reiterated his commitment to invest $2 billion in Pakistan. We are ready for this investment for mutual benefits, he said.-APP