DUSHANBE: Tajikistan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan under their strategic partnership, Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin highlighted expanding collaboration in trade, connectivity and energy as both countries push for deeper regional integration.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV’s senior correspondent, Saima Shabbir, following the 4th High-Level International Conference on Water in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Muhriddin said bilateral relations had significantly deepened since 2021, when the two countries officially elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.

“In 2021, the two nations officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership,” he said, adding that Pakistan and Tajikistan were actively working on integrated logistics corridors to establish resilient trade routes connecting Central and South Asia, describing connectivity as a key pillar of their cooperation.

“Tajikistan and Pakistan are continually pursuing integrated logistics corridors aiming to establish resilient trade routes connecting Central and South Asia,” the foreign minister said.

Pakistan and Tajikistan established diplomatic relations in 1992 after Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence in 1991. Tajikistan opened its Consulate General in Islamabad in 1997, followed by the establishment of its Embassy in Pakistan in 2005, further strengthening formal diplomatic presence.

Over the decades, the two countries have steadily expanded cooperation through regular high-level exchanges and institutional engagement, building a foundation that has now evolved into a Strategic Partnership focused on connectivity, trade, and energy cooperation.

Highlighting the importance of the energy sector, Muhriddin said it presented major opportunities for both countries and could contribute to broader regional cooperation and integration.

“Tajikistan and Pakistan cooperation in this area does not only meet the interests of both countries but will also give a positive impetus to the regional integration process,” he added.

He further underscored cooperation on regional energy initiatives, including the CASA-1000 project, noting that both countries, in collaboration with regional and international partners, would continue efforts to advance its implementation.

“Tajikistan and Pakistan, in cooperation with regional and international institutions, will further vitalize their efforts in implementation of the CASA-1000 regional energy project,” he added.

The remarks reflect the growing momentum in Pakistan-Tajikistan relations, with a focus on connectivity, energy cooperation and regional economic integration across Central and South Asia.

Speaking about the 4th High-Level International Water Conference in Dushanbe, the Tajikistan FM underlined the urgency of global cooperation to address worsening water scarcity, which continues to affect countries across Asia, Africa and beyond.

He said the Dushanbe Water Process has become a key international platform for collective action on water security and sustainable development goals. “Addressing global water challenges requires stronger international cooperation, inclusive dialogue and collective action,” he stated, emphasizing that water issues now demand sustained multilateral engagement.

Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin

Tajikistan, Pakistan seek deeper trade and energy cooperation under strategic partnership