Tajikistan Defence Minister calls on President Zardari, discusses CASA-1000 project

President Asif Ali Zardari says Pakistan is fully committed to the timely completion of CASA-1000 project for renewable energy infrastructure development.                            

He was talking to Defence Minister of Tajikistan Colonel General Sabirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim who called on him along with his delegation in Islamabad on Friday. The President said Pakistan greatly values its multi-faceted relationship with Tajikistan, embedded in common history, culture and linguistic affinity. He said the two countries should further enhance their political, cultural and people-to-people contacts.

Terming Tajikistan as a bridge to Central Asia, the President said Pakistan is also a gateway to international waters for Tajikistan. He said the two countries can play a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Asif Ali Zardari underscored the need for optimal exploration of vast potential of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.         

The President expressed satisfaction over the expanding bilateral defence cooperation, manifested through the frequent exchange of visits of the leadership of the two armed forces. He said successful organizing of Dosti-II defence exercise is a testimony to the historic defence ties between the two brotherly states. 

The Tajik Defence Minister expressed his country's interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.