DUSHANBE, June 16, 2011, Asia-Plus - On Wednesday Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met in Astana with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari to discuss Tajik-Pakistani bilateral relations.

According to the President’s press service, the sides have agreed that a new intergovernmental agreement on trade and transit is needed for further development of economic and trade relations between the two states. The document would simplify customs procedures.

In the course of the meeting the sides have confirmed their adherence to implementation of previous agreements on the joining of power lines, highways and railroads, including implementation of the CASA-1000 project that will ensure the transit of energy from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and Afghanistan. The sides have expressed their willingness to develop relations in all directions, the source added.

According to the Tajik President’s press service, leaders of Tajikistan and Pakistan have also discussed current situation in Afghanistan and talked about cooperation in such spheres as counter-terrorism, extremism and illegal turnover of drugs.

Yesterday following the Anniversary SCO Summit and a series of bilateral meetings Emomali Rahmon returned back from Astana to Dushanbe.