Zardari lays foundation stone of Pakistan embassy complex in Dushanbe

President Asif Ali Zardari alongwith his Tajik counterpart Imomali Rehmon on Thursday laid foundation stone of Pakistan embassy complex in the prime locality of capital of Tajikistan.
The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Chairman Board of Investment Salim H Mandviwala, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Mayor of Dushanbe, Pakistan Ambassador Amjad Sial, foreign diplomats and high officials.
In March this year the President of Tajikistan Imomali Rehmon during his official visit to Pakistan performed the ground breaking of Tajikistan's embassy in Islamabad. Both the countries have provided free land in their respective capitals for the embassies. Speaking at the ceremony, the President said the foundation of the fraternal relations was laid by our ancestors centuries ago.
He said Pakistan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent Tajikistan. The laying of foundation stone of new Pakistan embassy complex is a new beginning in our bilateral relations and a step towards our commitment to have stronger, ever-progressing and all-encompassing relations with Tajikistan, he added.
He said Pakistan and Tajikistan's relations are eternal and our history, culture and language are shared. He said our relationship is a natural union of brotherhood, friendship, mutual trust, equality and respect. Pakistan and Tajikistan have similarity of views on regional and international issues. He said that both the countries are committed to eliminating the scourge of extremism and terrorism in South Asia. Lauding the leadership role of President Imomali Rehmon, he said, Tajikistan is progressing well under his leadership and expressed the hope that the country will continue to prosper and progress at this enviable pace.
Speaking on the occasion, Tajik President Imomali Rehmon said, the new embassy complex would further the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Recalling his visit to Pakistan this year, he said, Pakistan and Tajikistan's ties are based on mutual trust, understanding and commonalities of views on regional and international issues. He said people of the two countries are committed to expanding these ties and there is bright future for Pak-Tajik relations. The Tajik President emphasised on strengthening the art and cultural ties between the two countries.