Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is set to embark on a significant three-day tour of two Central Asian countries starting next week. Accompanied by senior federal ministers, the Prime Minister aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss pressing regional issues.
The first leg of the tour will commence with Prime Minister Sharif landing in Tajikistan on July 2. This visit comes at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. During his stay in Tajikistan, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet several key figures, including Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and President Emomali Rahmon. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, primarily focusing on the situation in Afghanistan, mutual engagements, and the promotion of trade and investment.
Both Pakistan and Tajikistan share serious concerns over the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. The presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities pose significant threats to both nations. These issues are anticipated to be central to the discussions between Prime Minister Sharif and the Tajik leadership. The meetings will also delve into global and regional issues of mutual interest, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and address common challenges.
The second leg of Prime Minister Sharif’s tour will take him to Kazakhstan on July 3 and 4. The primary purpose of this visit is to participate in the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana. The SCO summit is a crucial event, bringing together world leaders to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and political stability.
At the SCO summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will join other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This high-profile meeting provides an invaluable platform for discussing critical issues affecting the region and beyond. On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, fostering diplomatic relations and exploring avenues for collaboration.
During his visit to Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Sharif will also meet with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. These meetings will further enhance bilateral ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, focusing on mutual interests and cooperation in various sectors.
This tour is of considerable significance as it underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with Central Asian countries. By engaging in high-level discussions and participating in the SCO summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aims to address regional security concerns, promote economic cooperation, and enhance political stability in the region.
The tour is expected to yield substantial economic and strategic benefits for Pakistan. Strengthening trade and investment ties with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan can open new markets for Pakistani products and services. Additionally, addressing security concerns related to Afghanistan with these neighboring countries is crucial for regional stability and peace.
