DUSHANBE, December 24, 2009, Asia-Plus — An official three-day visit of Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Khayrulloyev to Pakistan is concluding today after his meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zadari, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
On December 23, Khayrulloyev met with Pakistani Federal Minister for Defense, Chaudry Ahmad Mukhtar. “In the course of the talks, the sides discussed issues related to the situation in Afghanistan, fight against international terrorism and establishment of exchange of information between the sides in this direction,” the source at a MoD said, noting that the minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MoD).
In the meantime, the official website of the Government of Pakistan (press information department) reported on December 23 that Pakistan and Tajikistan have underscored the need for intensifying efforts to promote closer cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and defense for the mutual benefits of the two countries. This was agreed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defense, Chaudry Ahmad Mukhtar and the visiting Tajik Defense Minister, Colonel-General Sherali Khayrulloyev.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the existing level of relationship and agreed to further expand and enhance bilateral cooperation so as to meet the challenges being faced in the region. The sides also exchanged views on the geo-political situation of the region with special reference to Afghanistan. Mr. Chaudry Ahmad Mukhtar informed his Tajik counterpart that Pakistan wish to see peace and stability in Afghanistan because a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region. It was also emphasized that both countries should make joint efforts to promote durable peace and stability in the war-stricken Afghanistan.
Pakistani minister also appreciated the stance taken by Tajikistan on Kashmir issue. He also offered seats to the military officials of Tajikistan in the defense institutions of Pakistan.
Sherali Khayrulloyev told his Pakistani counterpart that he had come to Pakistan with intention to further broaden and strengthen the relationship. He said that both countries have a lot of potential to increase cooperation in different sectors and practical measures are required to be taken to achieve the desired goals.
Later, the ministers signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their respective countries. They expressed the hope that the MoU would go a long way in promoting defense cooperation as well as provide an opportunity to bring the two countries closer
