Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad yesterday afternoon following the 13th ECO Summit.

Pakistan media reports say the Prime Minister emphasized the nature of close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan, based on shared goals of peace, prosperity and progress.

Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives and destruction of infrastructure due to impact of recent adverse weather in Tajikistan.

The Prime Minister informed the Tajik President that Pakistan would provide assistance worth of Rs.500 million for the people of Tajikistan at this difficult juncture, according to The Times of Islamabad.

The two leaders reportedly expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved so far in the economic sphere particularly with regard to CASA-1000 Project which will soon move into construction phase.  The Prime Minister underscored the need for further enhancing trade, energy and defense cooperation.

For his part, the Tajikistan President thanked Pakistan for supporting the in principle approval of Tajikistan’s accession to the Quadrilateral Transit Traffic Agreement which would enhance connectivity and trade between the two countries.

He reportedly reaffirmed the commitment of Tajikistan to further strengthen the relations between the two countries in all spheres including political, trade, energy and defense.