DUSHANBE: President Mamnoon Hussain and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon Tuesday held bilateral talks to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in diverse areas for mutual benefit.
The two presidents had a one-to-one meeting before going for delegation level talks held at the state guest house.
President Mamnoon is in Tajikistan for a bilateral visit on the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon and to participate in the international conference on water being held on June 20.
Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday visited the Somoni Monument at Friendship Square and laid a wreath.
One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue of Ismoil Somoni celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty.
With an art-deco quality to the design of the monument’s golden casing and a prominent position on Friendship Square, it has become a key rendezvous point in the city.
Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain was accorded a very warm red carpet welcome at a formal ceremony held at Qasr-e-Millat (Presidential Palace) on Tuesday.
The President, who arrived in Dushanbe on Monday on a four-day official visit, was presented a guard of honour as well as salute by a smartly turned out contingent of Tajik armed forces at the formal welcome ceremony.
The President along with his Tajik counterpart reviewed the guard of hour. National anthems of Pakistan and Tajikistan were also played on the occasion.
Earlier upon arrival at the Qasr-e-Millat, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan warmly received President Mamnoon Hussain.
The two leaders were set to hold bilateral talks later in the evening during which they would be discussing the ways and means to further strengthen the already existing close and brotherly relations in diverse areas of mutual interest.
President Mamnoon Hussain will also attend the inaugural session of international conference on water being held in Tajik capital on Wednesday. – NNI