Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday held separate meetings with Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Dushanbe on the sidelines of SCO’s Heads of State Summit.
During Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi, the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt felicitations to President Raisi on his victory in the recent Presidential elections. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue working with Iran to further strengthen and expand brotherly ties between the two countries.
The wide-ranging talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a special focus on trade and economic sphere and regional connectivity. The Prime Minister highlighted his economic security agenda and Pakistan’s shift from geo-politics to geo-economics. The Prime Minister thanked President Raisi for Iran’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, especially by the Supreme Leader
unveiled in AmsterdamHe highlighted the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and added that Iran’s just and principled position was a source of strength for the Kashmiri people, fighting for their right to self-determination.
On the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s vital interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister stressed that there was an opportunity to finally end the conflict and war in Afghanistan after 40 years. It was essential to take urgent steps to stabilise the security situation in Afghanistan, prevent humanitarian crisis and stabilise the economy.
The Prime Minister added that the efforts for stabilisation would be reinforced by respect for the rights of all segments of Afghan society and an inclusive political structure. The Prime Minister appreciated Iran’s support for Pakistan’s initiative on engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries for a coordinated approach.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan through positive messaging and constructive practical steps. The Prime Minister reiterated his cordial invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. For his part, President Raisi invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Iran.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also met Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at Dushanbe on the sidelines of SCO.
Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistan is resolved to comprehensively upgrade engagement with Central Asian countries through its “Vision Central Asia” policy.
He was talking with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Dushanbe on Thursday.
He particularly emphasised the importance of connectivity and Pakistan’s pivotal position in providing the shortest access route to the sea. He also highlighted the significance of Trans-Afghan railway project connecting Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Jalalabad-Peshawar.
The Prime Minister also elaborated his vision of socio-economic development and shifting country’s priority from geo-politics to geo-economics. Imran Khan also underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region. He stressed that the international community had to remain engaged to support the Afghan people, to address urgent humanitarian needs, and take steps to stabilise the economy. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international issues.
They affirmed the commitment to enhance Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations in diverse fields particularly trade, investment and transportation links.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has invited the Tajik investors to invest in Pakistan, assuring to extend full facilitation to them.
Addressing Pakistan Tajikistan Business Forum in Dushanbe on Thursday, he noted that increased trade will benefit both the countries.
He said our current trade of eighty million dollars is minuscule and there is a lot of potential to bolster it. He said Pakistan is a big market of two hundred and thirty million people.
The Prime Minister said the objective of this Business Forum is to have interaction between the business communities of Pakistan and Tajikistan. He said some sixty seven companies from Pakistan are attending this event. Imran Khan said CASA 1000 project will be expedited so that we can benefit from Tajikistan’s clean and cheap energy.
The Prime Minister stressed that peace in Afghanistan is important for better connectivity and trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan. He said both Pakistan and Tajikistan will be trying everything for peace and inclusive government in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met in Tajikistan on Thursday and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relationship in diverse fields.
The meeting, held on the side lines of 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit, focused on closed collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Pakistan and Belarus enjoy cordial relations based on a common approach on issues of regional and international importance.
