ISLAMABAD: The fourth round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Tajikistan was held here on Thursday, where the two sides reviewed their bilateral relations and examined the prospects of cooperation in areas of trade, economy, investment, culture, education, science & technology, defence, parliamentary exchanges, humanitarian issues and people-to-people contacts.

According to foreign office statement here, Pakistan delegation was headed by the Special Secretary (ME, ECO & CARs), Aitzaz Ahmed while the Tajik delegation was led by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nizomiddin Zohidi.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the close fraternal relations and progress made thus far.

It was agreed to further consolidate the bilateral relations in all areas of mutual importance.

The sides expressed satisfaction at their ongoing collaboration at the UN, ECO, SCO and OIC.

The two sides discussed the evolving peace and security situation in the region.

The Special Secretary briefed the Tajik side on Pakistan's efforts aimed at promoting peace and security in the region, Pakistan-India relations and human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister also called on the Foreign Secretary and exchanged views on mutual interest. He also delivered a lecture at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

It was decided to hold the fifth round of consultations in Dushanbe in 2019, it added.