ISLAMABAD, JUL 05 (DNA) – In an extremely significant move, Tajikistan and Pakistan have decided to upgrade their relations to the level of strategic partners. Tajikistan becomes the first country of Central Asia forging strategic partnership with Pakistan.

Formal announcement shall be made during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visit to Dushanbe on July 05. Joint declaration shall be signed on July 06 by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

According to the joint declaration available with DNA, two leaders shall also discuss various regional issues including Kashmir.

Pakistan fully supports Tajikistan’s access to Quadrilateral agreement on Traffic in Transit between China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. Tajikistan’s accession would add impetus to fortifying regional connectivity.

Pakistan and Tajikistan welcome the decision taken during the second meeting of the Pakistan Tajikistan joint working group and inaugural meeting of the technical committee for export of additional 1000MW apart for CASA-1000 project meeting held in Dushanbe in March.

The protocols signed during the meeting express satisfaction on the growing cooperation between the two countries in energy, infrastructure and connectivity with primary focus on timely completion of the CASA 1000 project.

 The report of technical committee will be finalized by May 2018 that will determine the exact quantum of the expected power to be supplied by Tajikistan, exact demand of power requirement from Pakistan side and possibility of the three main transmission corridors.

The CASA 1000 project is a key element of the CASAREM which could provide an opportunity for energy trade among the countries of Central and South Asia. The project would ensure several economic, social and environmental benefits including decrease of energy deficit, creation of jobs and mitigating carbon emissions

The CASA 1000 is an important milestone in the history of cooperation among Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. Modern and efficient electricity transmission line of the CASA 1000 could transform the both regions and would mark a serious step towards realization of the CASAREM.

President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani will also be in Dushanbe to take part in tripartite meeting.

The heads of delegations of the participating countries will exchange views on the implementation of the regional project and discussed prospects and measures for improving coordination and instructions aimed at the early completion of tender phase and an early start of the construction of the CASA 1000 components.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon have been interacting very closely in order to promote and strengthen bilateral relations. Tajikistan always supports Pakistan at all forums.=DNA

=============