Tajikistan’s FM arrives today

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov arrives in Islamabad on Thursday (today) on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

The visit is primarily to reassure Pakistan that Tajikistan is not providing any military base to the Indian security forces.

Diplomatic sources told Daily Times that during his three day stay in Pakistan, Mr Nazarov is likely to hold talks with President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali and Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

“After reports of the Indian government establishing military bases at Ayoni (in Tajikistan), the Tajik government categorically denied providing such facilities to India,” sources said. “But with consistent reports on this issue, Mr Nazarov will re-assure Pakistani authorities that his country is not going to extend India any facility for establishing military bases there”, sources added.

Sources said that Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy cordial relations and are active members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). “Pakistan and Tajikistan have decided to enhance the frequency of bilateral visits for increasing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation,” sources said.

Sources said the visit of Mr Nazarov is taking place on the invitation of Pakistan’s government. “Mr Nazarov would leave for Tajikistan on January 31,” they said.

Earlier President Musharraf visited Tajikistan in September 2002, which was followed by the visit of the Foreign Minister Mr Kasuri in June 2002.

Home | National