About two decades ago when the Central Asian republics got their independence, there was the optimism that now Pakistan can get better access to energy and oil. It has taken many painful years but it seems that now we are finally starting to see some cooperation. The recent quadrilateral summit meeting of  4 countries: Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Russia on Thursday in Dushanbe, recognized the significance of strengthening mutually beneficial economic co-operation as an important component of solidifying mutual ties.

The joint statement issued after President Asif Ali Zardari, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai met here in the Tajik capital, also stressed the importance of the development and strengthening of economic and trade relations among the four countries.

They also agreed to support measures at national and international levels for promoting socio-economic rehabilitation and development of the region. The four leaders agreed to create a favourable investment climate in their countries and promote direct ties among the business communities.

The statement stressed for increase in foreign investment flows and implementation of projects in the sphere of hydropower, construction of transmission lines and development of transport infrastructure. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recalled his meeting with President Zardari in Yekaterinburg, Russia recently and said their meeting today reflects the desire of the countries to cooperate in various fields.

“The region needs to cooperate in energy, trade, rail and transportation links,” he said. President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion said that the meeting will help bring the regional and neighbouring countries more closer for economic co-operation and for facing future challenges jointly. “I remind the world what we do today will help the coming generations,” he added.

“I hope we can move forward together for the progress and prosperity of our coming generations.” President Zardari appreciated Tajik President for holding the meeting. “Indeed we owe debt of gratitude to Tajikistan for organising and hosting this historic gathering,” he stated.

President Hamid Karzai said the meeting is the first important step in the direction of more co-operation for peace, security and development of the region. He welcomed the holding of the meeting and said his country will participate whole heartedly in future meetings too.

The host, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said he is satisfied with the joint statement which reflects the aspirations of not only the four leaders but also the nation and the people they represent. The leaders, who met in a cordial atmosphere underscored the need for consecutive implementation of agreements reached during the meeting of the Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation on June 15, 2009 in Ekaterinburg.

Outcomes of the trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan on July 29 (Wednesday) in Dushanbe, were also taken into consideration. They welcomed the statement of foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Russian Federation in Trieste, Italy on June 26, 2009.

The meeting underscored the importance of commissioning of Sangtuda-1 Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan, which will solve the energy problems of the region The meeting welcomed the readiness expressed by Tajikistan to join the main directions of the statement of the foreign ministers in Trieste. The four leaders underlined concern over the increased illicit traffic of drugs as one of the main source of terror funding.