ISLAMABAD : President Dr. Arif Alvi has underlined the need for enhanced engagements with the Republic of Tajikistan in the areas of trade, defence, energy, tourism and culture. He said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Tajikistan which were based on strong historical, religious and cultural links.

President Dr. Arif Alvi stated this during a meeting with the visiting Defence Minister of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.

Welcoming the Tajik Defence Minister, the President emphasised the need for exchanging economic and cultural delegations to expand the volume of bilateral trade as well as cement cultural linkages between the two sides. He added that Gawadar port and CPEC offered enormous opportunities to regional countries and Tajikistan, in this regard, could benefit of the emerging opportunities by exporting its goods to foreign countries through the Gawadar port. He expressed the hope that the continued interactions between military and defence leadership of the two countries at the higher levels would further expand military cooperation.

The President also highlighted the brutalities being committed against the Muslims of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He said that India was involved in hybrid war against Pakistan by using the soil of Afghanistan and supporting militants to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan. Regarding Afghanistan, the President said that Pakistan was making sincere efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan but also of the entire region. He expressed the hope that the visit of Tajik Defence Minister would further strengthen defence cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

Colonel General Sherali Mirzo emphasized the need for further promoting military and defence relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for extending a warm welcome and hospitality during his stay in Pakistan.