DUSHANBE, May 6, 2015, Asia-Plus – Bilateral consultations between Tajikistan and Pakistan were held in Islamabad on May 4.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, Tajik delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nizomiddin Zohidi and Pakistani delegation was led by Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Special Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

The delegations reportedly discussed issues related to further expansion of political and economic cooperation between their countries.

The sides noted that they share similar stances on important international issues, the Tajik MFA information department said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Observer reports that two sides discussed in detail matters of their mutual interest including connectivity via rail and road, direct flights, Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement, energy cooperation including CASA-1000 Power Import Project, cooperation against international terrorism and extremism and security cooperation between the two sides, and regional and international issues.

The meeting also covered wide range of other topics including connectivity via rail and road, direct flights.

The Special Secretary Amjad Hussain B. Sial reportedly highlighted the importance the Pakistan attaches to the fraternal relations with Tajikistan.  He stressed that there exists a great potential to further enhance existing trade volume. It is encouraging to note that political relations, defense, security cooperation and economic cooperation between the two countries are improving day to day.

The two sides agreed that all efforts should be made to achieve the target of US $ 500 million for bilateral trade as decided by the leadership of the two countries during the visit of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Tajikistan in June 2014.

It was agreed to hold regular consultations.  Next consultations will take place in Dushanbe in 2016.