ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday reiterated Islamabad’s full commitment to the timely completion of CASA-1000 project for renewable energy infrastructure development.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Defence Minister of Tajikistan Colonel General Sabirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim who called on him along with his delegation in Islamabad, Radio Pakistan reported.
The $1.2 billion CASA-1000 project is a regional initiative aims to interconnect the power systems of four countries, enabling the transfer of surplus hydropower of 1,300 MW from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
President Zardari said Pakistan greatly values its multi-faceted relationship with Tajikistan, embedded in common history, culture and linguistic affinity.
He emphasised that the two countries should further strengthen their political, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
Describing Tajikistan as a bridge to Central Asia, the President noted that Pakistan serves as a gateway to international waters for Tajikistan. He added that both nations can play a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the importance of fully tapping the vast potential for bilateral trade and investment.
The President also expressed satisfaction with the growing defence cooperation between the two countries, reflected in the frequent exchange of visits by the leadership of their armed forces.
He said successful organising of Dosti-II defence exercise is a testimony to the historic defence ties between the two brotherly states.
The Tajik Defence Minister expressed his country’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.
