DUSHANBE – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon convened on Thursday to discuss and strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including political, trade, economic, energy, defense, security, and regional connectivity.

During their meeting, both leaders expressed a mutual desire to explore new avenues for collaboration, emphasizing investment opportunities, educational partnerships, cultural exchanges, information technology advancements, and stronger interpersonal connections. President Rahmon welcomed Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation upon their arrival at Qasr-e-Millat.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Tajikistan at the invitation of the Government of Tajikistan to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (ICGP), scheduled from May 29-31, 2025.

the Prime Minister’s delegation included Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and other high-ranking officials. Upon arrival in Dushanbe,Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan,Qohir Rasulzoda.

The discussions between Prime Minister Sharif and President Rahmon encompassed a broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation aspects, and also regional and international matters of shared interest.

Both leaders recalled the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement during Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which established a robust framework for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting common objectives.

Reaffirming the close ties between the two nations,rooted in shared history,culture,and geography,the leaders voiced satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and pledged to elevate their strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Commitment to regional Integration and Economic Growth

regarding the CASA-1000 project, both leaders reiterated their commitment to its role as a key initiative for regional integration. Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the CASA-1000 Inter-Governmental council meeting in Dushanbe on May 15, 2025, and assured Pakistan’s dedication to its swift operationalization.

“Pakistan desires peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full resolve if challenged.”

Acknowledging the untapped potential in bilateral trade, the leaders emphasized the importance of pursuing new avenues for economic cooperation, aligning with the decisions made during the 7th session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad in December 2024. they also agreed to utilize existing institutional frameworks, including twelve Joint Working Groups (JWGs), to enhance collaboration, especially in the oil & gas and energy sectors.

Both leaders acknowledged the growing cooperation in defense and security, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen these ties to address shared security challenges, including counter-terrorism, cross-border organized crime, and human and drug trafficking.

Regional and Global Perspectives

Prime Minister Sharif and President Rahmon exchanged views on regional and global geopolitical developments, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic advancement in the region. prime Minister sharif congratulated President Rahmon on the peaceful resolution of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute, recognizing his leadership in achieving this milestone through peaceful means. He expressed hope that this development would usher in a new era of cooperation and progress in the region.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with their cooperation in multilateral forums such as the UN, OIC, SCO, and ECO, and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening connectivity with Central Asia, highlighting the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a crucial component of this connectivity.

The Prime Minister also briefed President Rahmon on the situation in South Asia, particularly India’s actions since May 7, 2025, which he described as violations of international law. He called on the international community to hold India accountable, reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace while affirming its resolve to defend its sovereignty.

Moreover, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that resolving the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, is essential for lasting peace in the region. President Rahmon expressed his concern over the events of early May and affirmed his commitment to promoting peace and stability,praising Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership in restoring peace and security.