Prime Minister Imran Khan is to leave for Tajikistan today (16th September) to attend a summit of the Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS).
During the 2-day official visit on September 16-17, the country will be led by Prime Minister Imran Khan at the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe.
The prime minister was received by the Tajik Prime minister Kokhir Rasulzoda in Dushanbe.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to pay a visit. The premier will be accompanied by a high-level cabinet delegation. This is the Prime Minister’s third visit to Central Asia, which underlines Pakistan’s increased involvement in the region.
The president previously attended through:
- Videoconference in the SCO-CHS held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 13-14 June 2019.
- The SCO-CHS hosted by Russia on 10 November 2020.
On June 15, 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an eight-member permanent inter-governmental trans-regional organization, was created in Shanghai. Pakistan joined the SCO as an observer in 2005 and became a full member in June 2017 during the Astana SCO-CHS Summit.
Other SCO members are:
- Russia.
- China.
- India.
- Uzbekistan.
- Kazakhstan.
- Kyrgyz Republic.
- Tajikistan.
Observer states of SCO:
- Iran.
- Mongolia.
- Belarus.
- Afghanistan.
Dialogue partners of SCO:
- Azerbaijan.
- Armenia.
- Cambodia.
- Nepal.
- Turkey.
- Sri Lanka.
Imran Khan will also take part in bilateral meetings with other leaders who are participating on the sidelines of the summit.
According to the Foreign Office, “His talks with Tajik President will cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations, especially enhancing trade, economic and investment ties with a particular focus on regional connectivity.”
Both the countries have also expressed a strong commitment to enter a formal strategic partnership. The prime minister will preside over the inaugural meeting of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum, for which a delegation of Pakistani businessmen is also in Dushanbe.
A statement released by the Foreign Office said, “The Joint Business Forum will catalyze growing trade and investment relations and promote business to business contacts between the trading communities of both sides.”
A joint business council between Pakistan and Tajikistan will also be held on the sidelines. Both countries share close relations based on culture, history, and common faith. In addition, both share a common desire to promote security, peace, and economic development.
The Prime Minister’s visit is part of Pakistan’s expanded engagement with Central Asia under the ‘Vision Central Asia’ program, which has refocused attention on five important sectors.
- Political ties.
- Trade and investment.
- Energy and connectivity.
- Security and defense.
- People-to-people contacts.
