Underlining Pakistan’s enhanced engagement with the Central Asian countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan will leave on a two-day visit to Tajikistan on Thursday.

This will be Imran Khan’s third visit to the Central Asian region – which Pakistan considers crucial in terms of its ‘Vision Central Asia’ policy and connectivity projects under the Chinese-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The CPEC is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) -  a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.

Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said on Wednesday that the premier will be visiting the predominantly Muslim country at the invitation of its President Emomali Rahmon.

He will be accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation.

During his visit, PM Imran will attend the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in Dushanbe, he added.

"The premier has earlier participated in SCO-CHS held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 13-14 June 2019 and SCO-CHS hosted by Russia on 10 November 2020 through video-conference," Iftikhar said.

He further said that the PM will later have the bilateral segment of his visit in which he will hold meetings with other participating leaders.

"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. The two countries have earlier expressed strong commitment to enter into a formal strategic partnership," the FO stated.

He added that the PM will also inaugurate the first session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum. According to the spokesperson, a delegation of Pakistani businessmen will also embark on a visit to the country's capital of Dushanbe.

"A meeting of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Business Council will also be held on the sidelines. Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy close brotherly relations underpinned by the bonds of common faith, history and culture," he maintained.

"The Prime Minister’s visit is part of Pakistan’s deepened engagement with Central Asia through ‘Vision Central Asia’ policy, having revitalized focus in five key areas of political ties, trade and investment, energy and connectivity, security and defense, and people-to-people contacts," he said.

(SAM)